Who votes for the Ballon d'Or, and how?

The Ballon d'Or is football's best-known individual award, yet few people know exactly how the voting works.

Who votes?

For the men's award, one designated journalist from each of the countries at the top of the world ranking casts a vote, meaning roughly one hundred specialist journalists decide. Each compiles a top ten, with points allocated by position, so collecting first-place votes is not enough - broad support matters too.

What are the criteria?

The official criteria include individual performance and decisive impact, team performance and trophies won, plus the player's class and fair play. An important change is that voting no longer covers a calendar year but a completed season, which is far more logical because the major finals now fall within a single assessment period.

Why is there always a row?

Because the criteria are not weighted. One voter values goals most highly, another a Champions League run, a third international success. The shortlist is also drawn up by a small professional panel, which limits the options from the start.

More than one award

Alongside the Ballon d'Or there are now awards in several categories: best goalkeeper, best young player, leading scorer and best coach, plus separate recognition for women's football and regular awards for the best club. Together they make up the gala - but the memorable arguments still come from the main prize.