BREAKING NEWS: Ballon d’Or is CANCELLED for the first time since its launch in 1956 because ‘this year cannot be treated as ordinary’ in a big blow to Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of catching Lionel Messi
- Ballon d’Or will not be awarded this year for first time since its launch in 1956
- Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi won record sixth Ballon d’Or last year
- Cancellation of prestigious prize means Cristiano Ronaldo remains one behind
The Ballon d’Or will not be awarded this year for the first time since it was launched in 1956 due to the 2019-20 season being disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision seems somewhat bizarre given that all of Europe’s major football leagues – except France – have been able to complete their campaigns.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi won a record sixth Ballon d’Or last year, taking him past rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five to his name.
The Ballon d’Or will not be awarded this year for the first time since it was launched in 1956 – Barcelona star Lionel Messi won a record sixth Ballon d’Or last year
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Ors and is one behind the Argentine
Sir Stanley Matthews won first Ballon d’Or in 1956 and it’s been given out every year until now
The cancellation of the prestigious prize means the Juventus star remains one behind the Argentine.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football magazine, has been given out every year since Sir Stanley Matthews was the first winner 64 years ago.
The world player prize has been suspended due to what has been described as ‘a lack of sufficient fair conditions’ by France Football.
‘Such a singular year cannot – and should not – be treated as an ordinary year. When in doubt, it is better to abstain than to persist,’ a statement on the magazine’s website read on Monday.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was awarded the prestigious gong two years ago
‘The fairness that prevails for this honorary title could not be preserved, in particular at the statistical level and also in the preparation since all the aspirants to the award could not be housed in the same boat, some having seen their season cut radically, others not. How can we compare the incomparable?’
France’s top flight was the only division out of the top five European leagues that was cancelled amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A and the Premier League have or are on course to complete the 2019-20 season behind closed doors.
The final stages of the Champions League, from the quarter-finals onwards, has also been rescheduled as a mini-tournament in Portugal next month.
‘Protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means ensuring its flawlessness over time,’ the magazine’s statement continued.
‘In these turbulent times, taking a break is a luxury and an invaluable necessity.’
To fill this year’s gap, the magazine have created another trophy: the France Football Dream Team.
The magazine’s jury of 180 will elect history’s best team from a shortlist of five players in each position. The star-studded lineup will be known sometime in autumn.
