Idman.biz
Today, the 69th presentation ceremony of the most prestigious award in the football world – the "Ballon d'Or" – will take place. According to forecasts, Usman Dembele, Rafinha and Lamin Yamal will compete for the trophy.
Idman.biz reports with reference to cempionat.com that the preparation of the award takes approximately 6 months and 100 hours of work.
Its production is handled by Mellerio dits Meller, an old French jewelry house. First, two copper hemispheres are welded, then 32 panels resembling a soccer ball are added, polished, the winner's name is engraved, and finally a gold coating is applied. The finished trophy weighs 15 kilograms.
The transportation of the "Ballon d'Or" is entrusted to the famous Louis Vuitton company. Two special bags are made for each ceremony – one for the men's award and one for the women's award. The transportation route and security details are kept secret.
Was the "Ballon d'Or" stolen?
Yes, at the 2013 ceremony…
Just kidding! In fact, such cases are almost never encountered. But in July 2025, thieves broke into Platini's house and stole approximately 20 awards, cups and medals of the French legend, which were kept in a separate house. According to reports, there may have been at least one "Ballon d'Or" among those stolen. Platini was first in the voting three times, consecutively in 1983-1985.
In 1989, a unique "Ballon d'Or" was created and presented only once.
36 years ago, France Football journalists presented two "Ballon d'Or". The first and main award was won by Marko van Basten. The second award was called the "Super Ballon d'Or". This award was given to the best football player of the last thirty years. Journalists, previous "Ballon d'Or" winners and readers of France Football magazine participated in the voting for the winner.
Based on the results of the voting, the award was given to Alfredo Di Stefano. The press and football players unanimously put the legend of Madrid's "Real" club in first place, while the readers voted for Platini with a large advantage. This is understandable – they wanted to see their compatriot win.
The award was similar in design to the original "Ballon d'Or", but there were minor changes: several mini "Ballon d'Or" appeared in the main part. The award was kept in the "Real" club's museum for a long time, and in 2021 it was put up for auction and sold for approximately 214.5 million euros. Information about its current location is unknown.
In recent years, there has been much talk about the second presentation of the "Super Ballon d'Or". In June, the official social media page of the "Ballon d'Or" reminded about this award and asked the followers: who could compete for this award? Is a hint being given?
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