AN incredible video has shown how the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy is beautifully handcrafted.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
The Ballon d’Or trophy – which, as its French name suggests, takes the form of a golden ball – is worth somewhere in the region of £2,400.
It is made with two brass plates which are soldered together to create the shape of a football, before lined markings are drawn on the outside.
Afterwards it’s dipped in gold and engraved with the “Ballon d’Or” logo.
The final touch is a layer of pyrite crystals – which gives the trophy a stunning rock like appearance.
Including its pyrite base, the award measures 31 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter and weighs just over 7 kg.
The coveted prize, awarded to the world’s best footballer, is handmade by a team at French Jewellery House Mellerio dits Meller.
It is a meticulous process that takes more than 100 hours to complete – which amounts to about four days.
And fans were blown away by it’s simple, yet careful, design.
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One social media user wrote: “Why does it feel so weird? It’s something so prestigious, and it’s made just like that.”
While another said: “Wow amazing!”
A third added: “This is crazy seeing how it’s actually made.”
One more replied: “I never realised it’s hollow inside, but it makes perfect sense.”
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956.
This prestigious trophy is awarded to the world’s best footballer of the year and is a true work of art – just like the players who earn it.
This year, Uefa — European football’s governing body — will help organise the award for the first time.
Who are the favourites?
Real Madrid‘s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City‘s Rodri are favourites to lift this year’s prize on Monday.
Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have also been nominated.
Lionel Messi leads the way with eight Ballon d’Or wins between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has five.
The pair have dominated the men’s award in recent history but, for the first time in 21 years, neither has been nominated.
Who decides the Ballon d’Or winners?
The Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award).
Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.
First: 15 points
Second: 12 points
Third: 10 points
Fourth: Eight points
Fifth: Seven points
Sixth: Five points
Seventh: Four points
Eighth: Three points
Ninth: Two points
Tenth: One point
Earning the most points wins you the Ballon d’Or. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner would be decided by first-place votes.
