World Footballer of the Year: A Comprehensive Overview

When it comes to the world of football, the title of "World Footballer of the Year" is one that is highly coveted by players and fans alike. This prestigious award, which has been awarded since 1956, recognizes the best football player in the world each year. In this article, we will delve into the history, criteria, and notable winners of this esteemed accolade.

History of the Award

The World Footballer of the Year award, also known as the Ballon d'Or, was first introduced by the French magazine France Football in 1956. The award was initially called the European Footballer of the Year, but it was renamed to the Ballon d'Or in 1995. The award is now organized by France Football in collaboration with FIFA, the international governing body of football.

Criteria for Selection

The criteria for selecting the World Footballer of the Year have evolved over the years. Initially, the award was based solely on the player's performance in the previous year. However, in 2009, FIFA introduced a new voting system that takes into account the player's performance in the current season as well. The voting process involves a panel of journalists from around the world, who cast their votes based on the following criteria:

  • Technical ability and skill
  • Performance and consistency
  • Leadership qualities
  • International representation

The votes are then tallied, and the player with the highest number of votes is declared the World Footballer of the Year.

Notable Winners

Over the years, the World Footballer of the Year award has been won by some of the greatest footballers in history. Below is a table showcasing some of the notable winners of this prestigious award:

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Appreciation
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Year Winner Club Country
1956 Alfredo Di Stefano River Plate Argentina
1957 Ray Kesteven Manchester United England
1958 Just Fontaine Stade de Reims France
1959 Just Fontaine Stade de Reims France
1960 Pelé Santos Brazil
1961 Pelé Santos Brazil
1962 Pelé Santos Brazil
1963 Pelé Santos Brazil
1964 Pelé Santos Brazil
1965 Pelé Santos Brazil
1966 Pelé Santos Brazil
1967 Pelé Santos Brazil
1968