As an experienced business analyst, I‘ve done some digging into the data and details to give you the full breakdown. Read on for a comprehensive guide into the Ballon d‘Or – its composition, value, and the immense prestige it carries. The Ballon d‘Or Trophy Contains 18-Carat Gold, Not Pure Gold PSG's Lionel Messi: Robert Lewandowski deserved to win 2020 Ballon d'Or award". ESPN. 30 November 2021 . Retrieved 22 December 2022. Historically dominated by European players, eligibility expanded through the 1990s and 2000s to include any player at a European club. Since 2007, any player worldwide has been eligible. The shortest stretch between awards for one player is 1 year, achieved by 8 players including Messi, Ronaldo and Platini. The Super Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious and rare award only ONE player has ever won". SPORTbible. 21 December 2022 . Retrieved 25 May 2023.

Based on the current price of 18-carat gold, the physical metal value of the Ballon d‘Or trophy is estimated at around €15,000 to €20,000. Kaka named world's best player". The Guardian. 17 December 2007. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017 . Retrieved 18 March 2020. So if winners don‘t keep the Ballon d‘Or itself, where does its immense value come from? The answer is its unrivaled prestige.Reidy, Paul (17 October 2022). "Ballon d'Or, FIFA The Best awards: what's the difference between them?". AS.com . Retrieved 10 November 2022. While not solid gold like the trophy displayed at France Football headquarters, the replica is still a priceless memento boasting beautiful craftsmanship and prestige. Kaka wins 2007 award". BBC Sport. 1 December 2008. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008 . Retrieved 4 December 2008. The Ballon d’Or shouldn’t be confused with the awards given at the World Cup tournaments: The Golden Ball However, as any football fan knows, its real value is undoubtedly much higher. Let‘s compare it to the estimated €20 million value of 18-carat FIFA World Cup Trophy to put things into perspective: Trophy

No goalkeeper has ever won the award, although Lev Yashin did win similar honors before the Ballon d‘Or‘s 1956 inception. Here‘s an interesting fact – the players don‘t actually get to keep the original Ballon d‘Or trophy! The winners are presented with a gold-plated bronze replica to take home. I learned that these trophies stand about 28 cm tall and 12 kg in weight. Messi won four FIFA Ballons d'Or ( 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015) and twice finished in second place ( 2013, 2014). [29] [30]

While the winners don‘t obtain the original Ballon d‘Or, the golden replica and accompanying recognition are still massively significant achievements in a footballer‘s career. Having your name etched alongside the greats is an incredible legacy. Kaka named European Footballer of the Year". World Soccer. 2 December 2007. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020 . Retrieved 18 March 2020. Matthews wins first Golden Ball". BBC Sport. 1 December 2008. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008 . Retrieved 4 December 2008. The award builds hype that boosts overall revenue in football‘s massive commercial ecosystem. The Rich History Fuels Its Reputation It‘s up to each player whether they keep their replica Ballon d‘Or or not. Here‘s what some recent winners have done:

First awarded in 1956, the Ballon d‘Or represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. Voted for by journalists worldwide, it recognizes the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous year. Verschueren, Gianni. "Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon D'Or Win Labelled 'Absurd' by Johan Cruyff". Bleacher Report . Retrieved 1 November 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo won two FIFA Ballons d'Or ( 2013, 2014) and finished in second place three times ( 2011, 2012, 2015). [29] [30] Pele receives FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur". FIFA.com. 13 January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 January 2014 . Retrieved 14 January 2016. Pure 24-carat gold is too soft on its own for crafting intricate trophies. The 18-carat alloy makes the gold durable enough for fine details while maintaining its brilliant golden hue.Winning the Ballon d’Or immediately puts a player into elite company. The trophy‘s roll of honor reads like a Who’s Who of footballing legends. From Stanley Matthews and Alfredo Di Stefano in the 1950s, to modern superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Exclusive Ballon d‘Or Winners Club The current Ballon d‘Or trophy was redesigned in 2010 by French jeweller Chafik Chergui. His elegant design depicts a football floating above the arms of the player lifting the trophy skyward. a b "Ballon d'Or: Players who have received the most nominations". 90min. 15 November 2021. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021 . Retrieved 29 November 2021. Personally, I think it‘s a nice gesture from many players to give their replicas away to charity or their childhood clubs. But keeping them proudly on show seems very justified for recognition of their amazing achievement! The Immense Historical Value of Football‘s Most Iconic Individual Trophy