Ballon D’or Cancelled for 2020

One of soccer’s most prestigious awards will have no recipient this year.

The Group L’Équipe announced that the Ballon D’or will not be given out due to the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on the season. In order to avoid confusion amidst unordinary circumstances, the organization decided it made more sense to have a gap year.

In a statement issued by France Football:

“There will be no edition in 2020, because it turns out, after thoughtful consideration, that all the conditions are not met. We believe that such a singular year cannot -and should not- be treated as an ordinary one.”

Awards such as the Ballon D’or often mark high points in a professional athlete’s career. Winning one could mean more endorsements, contract leverage, higher jersey sale numbers, among other benefits. The sports media industry milks every penny out of achievements and highlights into a multi-billion dollar industry. An achievement like the Ballon D’or is nothing short of striking gold.

The French honor given to the “best player in football” has lately traded hands between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (who just won a record-breaking sixth award last year). Although this year, players such as Robert Lewandowski built a resume many fans deemed worthy of winning the prize. There hasn’t been a lot to look forward to in today’s current events, and in a year where other clubs had a chance of winning, some fans are left understandably disappointed.

Check out some of their reactions below.

https://twitter.com/Cerebrone/status/1285197110045007873

https://twitter.com/LFCrezz/status/1285329214821085184