Due to the split up between France Football and FIFA, the Ballon d’Or has reverted to its old format. This means that we will see the winner of the 2016 prize announced earlier than in recent years – in 2016!
Where can I watch the Ballon d’Or gala?
The recipient of this year’s accolade will be revealed on Monday, December 12. This year’s Ballon d’Or even can be watched on L'Equipe 21 at 2:00PM ET.
Others can follow @FranceFootball on Twitter for the updates/announcement.
Who is favorite to win?
You would be safest betting on Cristiano or Messi, with the loser finishing in second. Griezmann, Neymar, Suarez, and Bale are candidates for third, but neither looks likely to usurp the Ronaldo-Leo dominance.
Marca reported a while back that the Real Madrid superstar and three-time recipient had already been voted as the winner, with the Argentine finishing as runners-up. Of course, the fact that the 31-year-old won the Champions League and Euro 2016 went the extra mile.
Proof that Cristiano is the winner?
He is the favorite, but is he also the winner before being officially crowned? It could be so, as leaked images of a France Football magazine with Cristiano holding the Ballon d’Or in the cover have now emerged.
How did Messi prepare for the gala?
By scoring a brace against Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday. However, people will instead be excited to see what suit the Argentine will be wearing.
Messi's at El Sadar make him the leading scorer in #LaLiga
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 10, 2016
11 - Messi
10 - Cristiano
10 - Luis Suarez #OsasunaBarça pic.twitter.com/4pYBytL5CY
CR7 a no-show at the gala?
The Portugal captain is favorite to win, yet he won’t be lifting the prize. The reason is that the former Man United ace is currently in Japan with Los Blancos, as they gear up for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
#RMCWC
— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) December 11, 2016
¡Así embarcaron nuestros jugadores en el avión para ir Japón!#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/7F0ne4IX9S
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Ballon d'Or Ceremony
December 12, 2016 1:30pmThis match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
This match was not broadcast in United States
International Coverage:
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