Beginning in 2024, UEFA intends to co-organize the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Additionally, a new award will be established to recognize the best male and female coaches.

Historically presented annually to the world’s finest male and female footballers, the illustrious award was formerly administered by France Football.

Eurosport reports that Groupe Amaury, the owner of France Football, has instead chosen to form a partnership with the European football governing body beginning with the upcoming season.

UEFA merges with Ballon d’Or

Two World Cup champions were crowned winners of the prestigious Ballon d’Or at its most recent ceremony in Paris on Monday: Lionel Messi, who secured the men’s category, achieved the eighth-time victory, and Aitana Bonmatí, who secured the women’s category triumphant.

As an implementation of this collaboration, UEFA will discontinue the presentation of its Player of the Year accolades, which customarily transpire in August.

However, in keeping with tradition, UEFA will continue to present a Player of the Season award for each of its esteemed club competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League.

The players who have received the most UEFA awards

An analysis of the most successful UEFA Men’s Player of the Year recipients in consideration of this development.

Erling Haaland – 1

The Norwegian superstar will be the final recipient of the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award following the merger of UEFA and Ballon d’Or, in recognition of his extraordinary performances during the 2022–2023 season.

His qualification for the award was further strengthened by his pivotal contribution to Manchester City’s historic treble and the club’s coveted Champions League triumph.

Karim Benzema – 1

Benzema qualified for the UEFA Player of the Year award on account of his extraordinary performance in 2022, surpassing Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid in the process.

One Football reports that the 35-year-old scored 15 goals and contributed to two assists in 12 appearances to lead Real Madrid to a Champions League victory.

Luka Modric – 1

Luka Modric, a midfield maestro for Real Madrid, was honored with the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year accolade five years ago for his exceptional contributions to the club’s successful pursuit of a third consecutive Champions League title.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 3

While Messi holds a one-point lead over Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or Awards, the inverse holds true in the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Awards.

The Portuguese sensation has won this award more than any other player, including in 2013–14, 2015–16, and 2016–17. He is the only player to have won it twice in a row. He dominates this category entirely.