Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts on stage with his trophy as he receives his 8th Ballon d'Or during the award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on Oct. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
UEFA and Groupe Amaury will co-organize Ballon d'Or from 2024.
GENEVA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ballon d'Or will be co-organized by UEFA and Groupe Amaury, owner of France Football and L'Equipe, from 2024, the European football's governing body announced on Friday.
Argentine star Lionel Messi just won his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious awards in football, on October 30.
Two more awards - men's and women's coach of the year, will be added to the program, which already includes the Men's Ballon d'Or, Women's Ballon d'Or, Kopa Trophy (best player under 21 years of age), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Muller Trophy (top scorer in previous season), Men's Club of the Season Trophy, Women's Club of the Season Trophy and Socrates Award (humanitarian work).
UEFA said Groupe Amaury remains the owner of the Ballon d'Or brand, while UEFA will contribute its football expertise, market the global commercial rights and organize the annual awards gala.
Ballon d'Or was introduced by Football France in 1956. The annual award was merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year between 2010 and 2015. ■
