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Ballon d'Or

Evolution Notable Winners Lionel Messi Evolution of the Award Winners European Football Awarding Process Evolution of Awards Spanish Players Award Evolution Defensive Players Historical Comparisons Evolution of Criteria Significance Establishment Consecutive Wins Controversies Significance of Titles Notable Events Past Winners Stanley Matthews Nomination Trends 70th Anniversary Inaugural Winner France Football

Ballon d'Or Ceremony to Be Held in London for 70th Anniversary

France Football and UEFA say the relocation honors inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews and reflects a plan to expand the gala beyond its Paris base.