What Is 2016 FIFA Ballon d'Or

Overview

The 2016 FIFA Ballon d'Or marked the sixth and final year of the joint award between FIFA and France Football, uniting global recognition for the world's best male footballer. Awarded on January 11, 2017, in Zurich, Switzerland, the honor went to Cristiano Ronaldo, solidifying his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

This edition celebrated performances between November 2015 and July 2016, a period where Ronaldo led Real Madrid to victory in the UEFA Champions League and captained Portugal to their first-ever major international title at UEFA Euro 2016. His consistent excellence across club and country made him the clear favorite among voters.

• Cristiano Ronaldo won the award with 745 points, nearly 2.5 times more than second-place Lionel Messi.
• The ceremony took place on January 11, 2017, at the Piazza Grande in Zurich, Switzerland.
• Ronaldo became the first player to win four FIFA Ballon d'Or titles, surpassing Messi’s three at the time.
• Voting was conducted by national team captains and coaches from FIFA member nations, with a weighted point system.
• Ronaldo’s 2015–16 season included 16 goals in 12 Champions League matches, including the final against Atlético Madrid.

How It Works

The FIFA Ballon d'Or combined FIFA’s World Player of the Year and France Football’s Ballon d'Or into a single award from 2010 to 2015, with the 2016 edition being the last under this collaboration before France Football revived the standalone Ballon d'Or.

• Eligibility Period: Performance between November 2015 and July 2016 determined the winner, emphasizing Euro 2016 and Champions League results.
• Voting Body: National team captains and coaches from over 170 countries submitted ranked ballots of their top five players.
• Scoring System: First-place votes earned 6 points, second-place 4, third-place 3, fourth-place 2, and fifth-place 1.
• Selection Criteria: Voters considered individual performance, team achievements, and class over the eligibility period.
• Media Role: Journalists from France Football oversaw the process, ensuring transparency and adherence to editorial standards.
• Winner Announcement: The winner was revealed during a televised gala, with Ronaldo accepting in absentia due to prior commitments.

Comparison at a Glance

The top five finishers in the 2016 FIFA Ballon d'Or voting reflect the year’s most influential performers on the global stage.

Griezmann’s third-place finish highlighted his breakout year, scoring 6 goals at Euro 2016 and leading Atlético Madrid to the Champions League final. Despite not winning any major club trophies, his performances earned widespread acclaim. Meanwhile, Suárez and Neymar trailed despite strong club seasons, underscoring the weight given to international success in 2016.

Why It Matters

The 2016 FIFA Ballon d'Or was a pivotal moment in football history, not only for crowning Ronaldo but also for marking the end of an era in global player recognition.

• Ronaldo’s fourth win cemented his legacy as one of the most decorated players in football history.
• The award highlighted the growing importance of international tournament success, as Ronaldo won despite missing part of the season due to injury.
• France Football’s decision to end the FIFA partnership emphasized editorial independence in future Ballon d'Or selections.
• Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory, led by Ronaldo, proved crucial in swaying voters despite not being a top scorer.
• The point gap between Ronaldo and Messi (429 points) was one of the largest in recent years, indicating a decisive consensus.
• This award reinforced the narrative of the Ronaldo-Messi duopoly, with the two finishing in the top two for the eighth consecutive year.

Ultimately, the 2016 FIFA Ballon d'Or not only honored individual excellence but also reflected the shifting dynamics of football politics, media influence, and the global prestige of international competitions.