The prestigious Ballon d’Or award ceremony will take place on September 22, 2024, with a landmark change: an equal number of awards will be presented to male and female players for the first time, organisers announced on Monday.
The ceremony, to be held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, will be co-organised by France Football magazine and UEFA. This year’s edition introduces new categories, including Best Women’s Goalkeeper, Best Young Women’s Player, and Top Women’s Scorer in club or national competitions.
These additions bring the total to six awards each for male and female players, along with the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian or solidarity efforts by any player, regardless of gender.
Nominees for all categories will be announced in early August.
The 2023 edition was marred by controversy after Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony upon learning that Vinicius Junior had not won the Best Men’s Player award, which instead went to Rodri of Manchester City.
The 2024 ceremony is expected to be more inclusive and celebratory, marking a significant evolution in the recognition of football talent worldwide.