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France Football names 10 nominees for All-Time Ballon d’Or award
•2 min read•1 source
France Football has officially unveiled a shortlist of 10 legendary players nominated for the first-ever Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award. This new accolade seeks to identify and honor the single greatest individual to have ever played the game, moving beyond the traditional annual awards to provide a definitive historical ranking. The announcement has immediately ignited debates across the global football community regarding who truly deserves the title of the sport's greatest ever.
The list of nominees is headlined by the iconic duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom have defined the 21st century of football with their unprecedented consistency and trophy hauls. Joining them on the shortlist is the legendary Johan Cruyff, whose influence as a player and philosopher transformed the tactical landscape of the sport. The selection of these 10 individuals represents an attempt to bridge different generations of football, from the pioneers of the mid-20th century to the global superstars of the modern era.
The final winner will be revealed at a special ceremony organized by France Football on October 27, 2026. This event is expected to be one of the most significant gatherings in sporting history, bringing together living legends and the families of past icons. As the countdown to the 2026 gala begins, the B.O.A.T. award stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of football’s most influential figures and their collective contribution to the beautiful game's global appeal.
