The Ballon d'Or award is an annual football award for the best international player from the previous year, which had been awarded annually since 1956. However, as a consequence of disruptions due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, there was no Ballon d'Or Award given in 2020.
An Exceptional Year
Although the cancellation of the award was controversial, it was clear that the disruption to some football leagues and major events around the world resulted in an uneven playing field for players, and the award could not go ahead without some players being disadvantaged. The organizers did not want the award to be given, but always with an asterisk indicating that it was an exceptional year.
Who Would Have Won?
Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski was the favorite for the award had it not been canceled. The Pole was widely considered the deserving winner of the award and there has been a campaign in the footballing world to award him what is perceived to be a deserved accomplishment. He did still win awards in 2020. He won the FIFA Best Men's Player award and the World Soccer Player of the Year.
Upon receiving the 2021 Ballon d'Or, Messi acknowledged that Lewandowski should have won the 2020 award.
See the list of all Ballon d'Or winners.
2020 Ballon d'Or Dream Team
In 2020, a Ballon d'Or Dream Team was published. An all-time greatest football team, featuring the best players in history. Imagine a team lineup including Messi, Pele, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo!
Related Pages
- Ballon d'Or Home
- Men's Ballon d'Or Winner's List
- 2020 Ballon d'Or Dream Team
- Football Awards Lists
- List of the FIFA male player of the year and FIFA female player of the year.
- History of the Ballon d'Or
- The Year in Sport: 2020