Why Messi will not win the Super Ballon d'Or with current rules

Summary

The Super Ballon d'Or, a rare football accolade introduced in 1989, was awarded only once to Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano. This special trophy, honoring the best player of the past three decades, could potentially be revived in 2029. Speculation centers around **Lionel Messi** and **Cristiano Ronaldo** as the likely contenders. Messi, with his extraordinary records and 2022 World Cup triumph, seems the most probable winner. However, Ronaldo's remarkable consistency also makes him a formidable rival. The future of the Super Ballon d'Or remains uncertain, but it promises to ignite the football world once more if reintroduced.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ballon d'Or has been a prestigious individual accolade in football since 1956, but the 'Super Ballon d'Or' is an even rarer trophy introduced in 1989.
• 🏆 The 'Super Ballon d'Or' was created by France Football to honor the best football player of the past three decades, marking the magazine's 30th anniversary.
• ⚽ Only one player has ever won the 'Super Ballon d'Or': Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, who earned it in 1989.
• 🌍 Di Stefano, originally from Argentina, played for Spain after earning citizenship and was eligible for this unique award despite being born outside Europe.
• 🥇 Despite the presence of legends like Michel Platini and Johan Cruyff, the 'Super Ballon d'Or' was awarded to Di Stefano due to his remarkable career at Real Madrid.
• 🏅 Di Stefano’s career achievements include two Ballon d'Or wins (1957, 1959), eight La Liga titles, five European Cup titles, and over 300 official goals.
• 🔮 The 'Super Ballon d'Or' trophy is a unique golden ball atop a crystal stand, adorned with mini golden balls, measuring 52 cm in height.
• 💰 The 'Super Ballon d'Or' was auctioned in 2021 for £187,000, and its current location remains unknown.
• 📅 If the 'Super Ballon d'Or' were to be awarded again, it would likely occur in 2029, but there’s speculation about changes to eligibility rules to include non-European players.
• ⚔️ If revived, the race for the 'Super Ballon d'Or' could come down to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the Ballon d'Or in recent years.
• 🌟 Messi, with a World Cup victory in 2022, numerous records, and seven Ballon d'Ors, is considered a strong contender for the 'Super Ballon d'Or' if it's awarded again.

Q & A

What is the Super Ballon d'Or?

The Super Ballon d'Or is a special football award created by *France Football* in 1989 to recognize the best player of the past 30 years. It is a one-time honor awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989.

Why was the Super Ballon d'Or created?

It was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of *France Football* magazine and to honor the best footballer of the past three decades.

Who was the first and only recipient of the Super Ballon d'Or?

The only winner of the Super Ballon d'Or is Alfredo Di Stéfano, a legendary player for Real Madrid.

What were the eligibility criteria for the Super Ballon d'Or?

Initially, only European players were eligible for the Ballon d'Or, but the scope was expanded in 1995 to include all players active in European clubs. The Super Ballon d'Or, however, was awarded based on a global selection of players.

Why was Alfredo Di Stéfano awarded the Super Ballon d'Or?

Di Stéfano was awarded the Super Ballon d'Or for his exceptional contributions to football, especially his role in Real Madrid's dominance during the 1950s and 60s, which included multiple La Liga titles and European Cup victories.

How was the winner of the Super Ballon d'Or chosen?

The winner was determined through a voting system that involved *France Football* judges, former Ballon d'Or winners, and a public panel including readers and viewers. Despite strong competition, Di Stéfano was chosen over other nominees.

What makes the Super Ballon d'Or trophy unique?

The Super Ballon d'Or features a golden ball atop a crystal stand, with mini golden balls scattered around the base. It stands at 52 cm tall and weighs 187 kg, making it a visually striking and rare piece.

Where was the Super Ballon d'Or displayed after its award?

For many years, the Super Ballon d'Or was displayed in the Real Madrid Museum at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. However, in 2021, it was auctioned off to an anonymous bidder, and its current location is unknown.

When is the next potential Super Ballon d'Or expected to be awarded?

The next Super Ballon d'Or could be awarded in 2029, as the award was originally intended to be given every 30 years. Speculation suggests that changes might be made to include non-European players as eligible candidates.

Who are the likely contenders for the next Super Ballon d'Or?

The main contenders for the next Super Ballon d'Or are **Lionel Messi** and **Cristiano Ronaldo**, both of whom have dominated world football for over two decades and accumulated the most Ballon d'Or wins in history.