When is the Super Ballon d’Or?

The Super Ballon d’Or is perhaps the rarest award given out in football. Having been created by France Football (the same organisation who created the regular Ballon d’Or) it is awarded to the best player over the past three decades, and the award has only been given out once.

In 1989, it was awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano as he was recognised to be the best player of the past three decades. As well as this, to be eligible, players who can contend to win the award had to have won multiple Ballon d’Or’s. This shows just how monumental winning this trophy is.

A Ballon d’Or unlike any other.
In 1989, one player received a trophy no one else ever has: the Super Ballon d’Or.
But who was it?
And if it were awarded again today… Who would deserve it?#ballondor #superballondor #footballhistory pic.twitter.com/GGbieTEsLK
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) June 11, 2025

If we think about annually, in the autumn, how much anticipation builds and rumours spark when the time comes for the best player in the world for said calendar year to be announced, and just times that by 30 for the Super Ballon d’Or – or soon, even more.

What is the History of the Super Ballon d’Or and Who Has Won it Previously?

Until 1995, only European players could get heir hands on the Ballon d’Or, however, it was then expanded to include all players from any origin that have been active at European clubs. This is also why the likes of Pelé and Garrincha, or anyone part of Brazil’s legendary FIFA World Cup winning squads were ineligible to win the award.

The award has been presented once by France Football magazine in 1989, and it was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or. The Super Ballon d’Or has only been awarded once - to the Spanish forward Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Di Stéfano won the award thanks firstly, to winning the Ballon d’Or in both 1957 and 1959. He also played a starring role in Real Madrid’s golden era, as Los Blancos lifted the European Cup five times in a row in the late 1950’s.

👑 On this day in 1989, Alfredo Di Stéfano won the ‘Super Ballon d’Or’. And, he is the only player who has won it. pic.twitter.com/NS15LFwRQL
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 24, 2023

Throughout the three decades, Di Stéfano ended up winning a close battle with France’s Michel Platini, with the panel of France Football judges and fellow former Ballon d’Or winners ultimately voting the Spaniard as the best footballer over the period.

Why Has the Award Not Been Awarded Since?

The award is one of, if not the rarest accolade there is, so if it was given out on a regular basis, it would take away the speciality and outstanding achievement that winning the Super Ballon d’Or should give.

The Super Ballon d’Or is supposed to pay regards to arguably the most decorated and special player throughout the past 30 years of the beautiful game. This is why it has only been awarded once.

We must also remember that it is nothing like the Ballon d’Or and, although it is linked with it, is not something given out annually, but to the best footballer throughout numerous decades.

Now, you may be thinking – if it is given out to the best player from the past 30 years, then surely it should have been awarded to someone in 2019? You will be forgiven for strongly believing that it may be an award that has been forgotten about, however, there is a chance that it could make a return soon.

Will the Super Ballon d’Or Ever be Awarded Again?

The exclusive award has of course only been awarded once in 1989, however, there is much speculation that it is on the verge of its return, with the eligibility and era changing slightly too.

The Super Ballon d’Or may make its return in 2029, but this time, winners will not be limited to Europe. This means Lionel Messi is not only a contender but also the favourite to win yet another accolade, with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo another candidate.

There has has been no confirmation over a potential re-awarding of the Super Ballon d’Or in 2029, but it is certainly possible. Should the award return, the other ruling which may change is the period of time considered. Since it will be 40 years on from Di Stéfano’s crowning, the award may be awarded to the best recognised footballer over the past four decades rather than three, which includes a wider range of players from multiple eras as opposed to just one.

Does the Super Ballon d’Or Have a Connection to the Ballon d’Or?

Although they are considered completely different awards, the Super Ballon d’Or is indeed linked to the regular Ballon d’Or. This is largely because of the fact that in order to be a candidate to win the Super Ballon d’Or, the player must have at least two Ballon d’Or’s to their name, showcasing the award’s exclusivity.

The Super Ballon d’Or is only connected to the Ballon d’Or and not any other award given out that time of the year. So, the Yashin Trophy for the best male goalkeeper, the Kopa Trophy for best young male player, and the Gerd Müller Trophy for the best striker do not have any links to the Super Ballon d’Or, although they are also very prestigious awards in their own right.

The Super Ballon d’Or could be making a return, teased by France Football 👑🏆

An ultra-rare honor given only once in history, it crowns the best player of the past 30 years based on career greatness 🏆✨

If it returns... who truly deserves it⁉️ pic.twitter.com/0YnjGtiYsa
— Goals Side (@goalsside) June 14, 2025

Current contenders for the award will unfortunately not include the likes of Luis Figo, Ronaldinho, or Zinedine Zidane as they have only won it once. However, the players who are certainly in contention are:

Marco Van Basten (Netherlands)
Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Lionel Messi (Argentina)

There would be four contenders if the Super Ballon d’Or were to ever be awarded again, but I think we all know Van Basten and Ronaldo would not stand a chance over two of the greatest players to have ever played the beautiful game.