The Super Ballon d’Or: The Most Prestigious Prize You’ve Never Heard Of
The Ballon d’Or is the most coveted individual honor in football, awarded annually to the best player in the world. But did you know that there’s an even more exclusive award out there? Enter the Super Ballon d’Or, a one-of-a-kind trophy that’s as rare as it is magnificent.
A Legacy Honored
In 1956, the first Ballon d’Or trophy was handed out to Sir Stanley Matthews, a legendary winger from Blackpool. Since then, the likes of Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all taken home the award. But in 1989, France Football decided to create a new award that would recognize the greatest player of all time – the Super Ballon d’Or.
A Life’s Work
The one and only winner of the Super Ballon d’Or is none other than Alfredo Di Stefano, a Real Madrid legend who scored 308 goals for the club and played a crucial role in their five consecutive European Cup wins between 1956 and 1960. Di Stefano won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1957 and 1959, but the Super Ballon d’Or was a special recognition of his life’s work.
A Unique Trophy
The Super Ballon d’Or trophy is a stunning piece of art, featuring gold mini footballs at its base, reminiscent of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. It’s a one-of-a-kind award that was initially stationed at the Real Madrid Museum at the Santiago Bernabeu before being auctioned off in London in 2021.
A Priceless Moment
The trophy sold for a whopping £187,500, a testament to the enduring legacy of Di Stefano. It’s a reminder that, despite the many great players we’ve seen over the years, there’s only one Alfredo Di Stefano, and his achievements will never be forgotten.
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