UEFA and Groupe Amaury, owner of media companies France Football and L’Équipe, have today announced a partnership to co-organise the renowned Ballon d’Or from 2024. Together, UEFA and Groupe Amaury aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community.
Presented annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.
As part of the agreement, Groupe Amaury remains the owner of the Ballon d’Or brand and will continue to oversee the voting system, which will remain unchanged and independent. UEFA will contribute its football expertise, market the global commercial rights and organise the annual awards gala.
Furthermore, two new awards will be added to the programme; a men’s and women’s coach of the year, which will recognise the invaluable contribution of coaches to the success on the pitch. The current trophy line-up will continue with the same names, the Men’s Ballon d’Or, Women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy (best player under 21 years of age), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in previous season), Men’s Club of the Season Trophy, Women’s Club of the Season Trophy and Sócrates Award (humanitarian work).
Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA President, said:
“For almost 70 years, the Ballon d’Or has stood as the most prestigious individual accolade in the world of football and is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication, and impact of the game’s legends and their enduring mark on the sport’s history.
“UEFA club and national team competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO, are regarded as the highest global stages for elite players, often playing a critical role in a players’ candidacy for major honours and their place in the football pantheon.
“UEFA and Ballon d’Or are synonyms of sporting excellence, so our partnership will be a natural blend of prominence and a synergy that promises to be nothing short of exceptional.”
Jean-Étienne Amaury, Groupe Amaury CEO, said:
“The Ballon d’Or is the dream award for the world’s greatest players. We want to make the Ballon d’Or Awards Ceremony a global event that showcases and highlights the talent of top-level footballers in their individual and collective performances, to inspire all talents in football and bring together the passion and enthusiasm of fans from all over the world.”
The partnership further cements the relationship and historical ties between UEFA and Groupe Amaury that date back more than half a century when L’Équipe contributed to the idea of creating the European Champions Clubs’ Cup, which has become the world’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Credit: UEFA
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