The 69th Ballon d’Or awards will take place this on Monday in Paris, as the world’s biggest talents join together to celebrate the best players on the planet across the calendar year.
Taking place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the awards ceremony will be hosting by popular TV personality Kate Scott, with ex-Netherlands and Chelsea star Ruud Gullit as her co-host. Last year’s winner Rodri will be forced to hand over his trophy, with the Manchester City midfielder’s last year ruined by an ACL.
Three of the last five events have resulted in Argentina legend Lionel Messi winning the prestigious trophy, but with the iconic Inter Miami not in the running again this year, a new name could be etched on on the trophy for 2024.
Paris Saint-Germain Ousmane Dembele is the favourite, though, Mohamed Salah and teenager superstar Lamine Yamal could spring a surprise after their outstanding seasons for Liverpool and Barcelona respectively. But who has won the award each year since its beginnings in 1956?
Here is a the complete list of Ballon d’Or winners from 1956 to 2024, including how many times they have won the award.
13. 1967: Flórián Albert
It was the turn on Hungary forward Albert to win the award in 1967. Nicknamed "The Emperor", he was one of Hungary's most loved footballers. | AFP via Getty Images
14. 1968: George Best
The Northern Ireland football icon beat off Manchester United team-mate Bobby Charlton to the award in 1969. | Getty Images
15. 1969: Gianni Rivera
Only the second Italian to win the award, Rivera was also the first AC Milan player to win the Ballon d'Or. | Getty Images
16. 1970: Gerd Müller
After finishing third the year before, the prolific striker become the first Germany to lift the prestigious award. | AFP via Getty Images