Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Football
Marcus Chan
France Football has reportedly hinted at a return of the rare Super Ballon d'Or.
Over the years, we have seen the Ballon d'Or handed out to the best players in world football.
The award has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the modern era. The Portuguese has won five, with the Argentine winning eight.
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However, only one player has ever had the honour of winning the Super Ballon d'Or, which was handed to Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano back in 1989.
At the time, Di Stefano beat the likes of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini to the award.
Recently, France Football appeared to tease a return of the Super Ballon d'Or by asking fans to name the player they think deserves to win it.
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The official Ballon d'Or account wrote on social media: "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?"
This year, the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah are among the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or.
After winning the Champions League with Paris Saint Germain, Frenchman Dembele has emerged as the favourite to take home the prestigious award.
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Speaking prior to the final, Dembele said: "When you are a PSG player, the important thing is to take home the trophy for the team.
"Obviously this [the Ballon d’Or] is maybe in the back of my mind, but it’s not what I’m thinking about most."
Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique said afterwards: "I would give the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembele. He defended, he attacked. The pressing was so good.
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"I think without a shadow of a doubt it should go to him. I think he was exceptional in this final."
The Spaniard continued: "Dembele was incredible. He didn’t give them [the defence] room to breathe. This game is one where we were in cruise control. It was a great game."
The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner will be crowned on September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.