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.
17. 1971: Johan Cruyff
The Dutch magician won his first of two Ballon d'Or awards in 1971 while playing for Ajax. | AFP via Getty Images
18. 1972: Franz Beckenbauer
The German defensive legend won his first of two Ballon d'Or awards in 1972, while playing for Bayern Munich. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
19. 1973/1974: Johan Cruyff
The Dutch master was the first player to win the Ballon d'Or for two years in a row after moving to Barcelona. | Getty Images
20. 1975: Oleg Blokhin
Blokhin broke John Cryuff's run by winning the award in 1975, while playing for Dynamo Kyiv. | AFP via Getty Images