The Golden Ball: What Is It? The Ballon d'Or, which means Golden Ball in French, is one of the most famous awards in football. Every year, football journalists from all over the world vote for the best players on the planet. The winner gets a shiny golden trophy and a lot of applause from fans. Why Is This Award Special? This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or. That means the award has been given out for 70 years, celebrating the best footballers from many countries. It’s not just about scoring goals; it’s about skill, teamwork, and how a player inspires others. Meet the 30 Women in the Running: England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are two of the 30 players nominated. They play in the Women’s Super League (WSL), the top league in England. Alessia scored 24 goals last season, while Alex lifted both the WSL title and the FA Cup with her team. Other famous names include: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Caroline Weir (Scotland), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Khadija Shaw (Arsenal), Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal), Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City), Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City), Mapi Leon (London City Lionesses), and Melvine Malard (Chelsea). What Makes These Players Stand Out? Did you know? A player’s performance is measured not just by goals, but also by assists, passing accuracy, and how they help their team win. For example, Alessia Russo’s 24 goals helped Arsenal finish high in the league, and Alex Greenwood’s leadership helped Manchester City win big trophies. How Does the Voting Work? Football journalists from every continent cast their votes. They consider how the players performed in club matches, international tournaments, and their overall impact on the game. The winner is announced on 26 October. Why Should Kids Care About the Ballon d’Or? Inspiration: Seeing girls from different countries succeed shows that hard work pays off. Learning Goals: You can set small goals, like improving your passing or dribbling, just like the players. Team Spirit: The award reminds us that football is a team sport; every player’s effort matters. Questions Kids Might Ask: Why are only 30 players chosen? The journalists look at the best performances over the whole year, so only the top players make the list. Can a player win more than once? Yes! Alexia Putellas has already won it twice. What if a player is from a small country? The award is open to anyone, so players from any nation can win. How to Get Involved: 1. Practice – Try to play every week, even if it’s just with friends. 2. Watch Games – Learn from the best by watching matches online or on TV. 3. Stay Curious – Read about the players’ training routines and how they stay healthy. 4. Dream Big – Imagine yourself on the field, scoring a goal or making a great pass. Looking Ahead: The next WSL season is starting soon, and the players will keep working hard. Whether or not they win the Golden Ball, they already inspire millions of kids to love football. Keep watching, keep practicing, and maybe one day you’ll be the next star! Remember: Football is about teamwork, respect, and having fun. The Ballon d'Or celebrates those values, and it reminds us that anyone can achieve greatness with dedication and passion.