Ballon d'Or Féminin

Ballon d'Or Féminin. The Ballon d'Or Féminin is an annual association football award presented by the French magazine France Football to the world's best female footballer. First awarded in 2018, it is the women's counterpart to the long-standing men's Ballon d'Or, created to recognize and elevate the achievements of female players in the sport. The winner is selected by an international jury of journalists, with the inaugural recipient being Ada Hegerberg of Norway and Olympique Lyonnais.

History and establishment

The award was officially announced in September 2018 by the editorial staff of France Football, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of women's football. Its creation followed years of advocacy and the rising global profile of the women's game, highlighted by tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup and the UEFA Women's Champions League. The decision was influenced by the success of players at clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais and VfL Wolfsburg, and the growing media coverage of leagues like the National Women's Soccer League and the FA Women's Super League. The first ceremony was held in Paris in December 2018, integrating the women's award into the existing Ballon d'Or gala, which had been honoring men since 1956.

Award process and criteria

The winner is chosen through a vote by an international panel of football journalists, one from each country as defined by FIFA. The voting jury is distinct from that of the men's award. The primary criterion is the individual performance of the player during the calendar year, with consideration given to their talent, fair play, and overall career achievements. Team accomplishments, such as success in the FIFA Women's World Cup, UEFA Women's Euro, or continental club competitions like the UEFA Women's Champions League, also factor heavily into the evaluation. The process mirrors that of the men's award but operates on a separate ballot, with voters ranking their top five choices.

Winners and records

Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural award in 2018, followed by United States co-captain Megan Rapinoe in 2019 after her pivotal role in winning the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. The 2020 award was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona and Spain winning consecutively in 2021 and 2022. Her teammate Aitana Bonmatí succeeded her in 2023 following victories in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the UEFA Women's Champions League. To date, players from FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais have dominated the winners' list. Alexia Putellas holds the record for most wins (2), while Sam Kerr of Australia and Chelsea F.C. Women has been a frequent finalist.

Impact and reception

The award's introduction has been widely praised for providing a prestigious global platform for female footballers, significantly boosting their visibility and media profile. It has sparked increased commercial and sponsorship interest in stars like Megan Rapinoe, Ada Hegerberg, and Alexia Putellas. However, it has also faced criticism, including the notable incident where Ada Hegerberg was asked to twirl on stage after receiving the first award, highlighting ongoing issues of sexism. Debates often arise regarding the voting process and the weight given to performances in major tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup versus consistent club form in leagues such as the Division 1 Féminine.

Comparison with men's award

While the voting process and prestige are designed to be equivalent, disparities in media coverage, prize money, and historical legacy exist. The men's Ballon d'Or has a history dating back to 1956, creating an entrenched tradition that the women's award is still building. The women's award typically receives less global broadcast attention, though ceremonies are now jointly held. Critically, the criteria for both awards are identical, focusing on individual performance, but the women's game often sees the winner more directly tied to success in a major international tournament, as seen with Megan Rapinoe and Aitana Bonmatí. Discussions about fully equal recognition remain a part of broader conversations about equity in football led by organizations like FIFA and UEFA.

Category:Football trophies and awards Category:Women's association football awards Category:Recurring events established in 2018