While the name of the Ballon d'Or translates to "Golden Ball," the actual raw materials used to craft the famous trophy itself are much more varied for a number of reasons.

Inter Miami's and Argentina's national team player Lionel Messi receives the 2023 Ballon d'Or trophy during the 67th Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris ...

Lionel Messi won the men’s Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time on Monday after fulfilling his life’s ambition by leading Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar last year.

Messi is now the first active player in the U.S.-based MLS to win the famous trophy. Bonmatí, 25, won her Ballon d'Or after excelling in every arena over the past 12 months.

The title itself, French for ‘golden ball’, has entered footballing parlance. Pundits talk of an intangible, mythical Ballon d’Or level, stirring debate around a player’s capabilities.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo comes close with five. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Lionel Messi is first Ballon d’Or winner in MLS ...