The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by France Football to the best male football player in the world. Established in 1956, it has become one of the most prestigious individual awards in the sport, recognizing exceptional talent and performance over the year. Winners are selected based on votes from a panel of international journalists, making it a highly respected accolade. The award has seen legendary players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the honors, showcasing the elite level of competition in professional football.