The Ballon d’Or is widely recognized as the most prestigious individual award in football, celebrating the world’s best players. Established by France Football (a publication owned by the L’Équipe Group) in 1956, this accolade has been awarded annually for over six decades.
Every year, during a grand gala, awards are handed out in multiple categories. The most prominent ones include the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, given to the top player of the previous year. There are also the Kopa Trophy for the best young male player, the Gerd Müller Trophy for the best striker, and the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper. Additionally, the Club of the Year Prize and the Socrates Award acknowledge exceptional contributions in football.
Many iconic players have earned the Ballon d’Or over the years. Lionel Messi, with his unmatched record of eight wins, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who has claimed it five times, top the list. Other legends like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Franz Beckenbauer, and George Best have also been recognized with this prestigious award.
But few know about an even rarer accolade — the Super Ballon d’Or. What makes it so special? Who has won it, and will we ever see it awarded again?
The Super Ballon d’Or was created to honour the best footballer over the past three decades and was awarded by France Football on 24 December 1989. This unique trophy resembles the Ballon d’Or but is distinguished by its base, which is adorned with several miniature gold footballs. So far, the Super Ballon d’Or has been awarded only once, making it arguably the rarest and most exclusive title a footballer could ever achieve.
Unlike the annual Ballon d’Or, the Super Ballon d’Or recognises not just a player’s excellence over a single season but their entire career. It takes into account their contributions to the game over many years, considering both their individual skills and the impact they had on their team and the sport as a whole. Longevity plays a significant role in this award, which is why it stands apart from its annual counterpart.
A footballer who delivers world-class performances for a few seasons is unlikely to win the Super Ballon d’Or. Instead, it honours those who consistently dominate the sport for decades. While one extraordinary year could secure a player the Ballon d’Or — as seen in the case of Luka Modric in 2018 — the Super Ballon d’Or is reserved for those with careers of consistent brilliance.
Given that the award has been bestowed only once, it remains a unique part of football history. The sole recipient, Alfredo Di Stéfano, a legendary player for Real Madrid and the Argentina national team, was the perfect embodiment of the Super Ballon d’Or’s values. His remarkable career spanned decades, and his influence on the game is undeniable.
Whether or not the Super Ballon d’Or will be awarded again is uncertain. However, its status as the ultimate football accolade remains unchallenged, a testament to the lasting legacy of players who transcend eras and continue to inspire future generations.
This extraordinary prize represents the pinnacle of footballing achievement, not only celebrating an individual season but a lifetime of excellence. For now, it remains a singular honour, standing as the rarest and most coveted trophy in football.