Markus Babbel calls Ballon d'Or the biggest clown competition

On Monday evening the football world turns its attention to the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. While the winner is awaited, former German international Markus Babbel (54) will follow another broadcast, in which he sharply criticises the award and shares his view on the incompatibility of individual honours with a team sport.

Babbel condemns Ballon d'Or

Babbel spoke about the award on Ran, a sports programme on German television. He called the election “the biggest clown competition in the world”. The 54-year-old defender found it ridiculous that clubs and players become offended when they are not selected.

“I laugh myself to death every time at how people or even whole clubs are offended when their players are not chosen,” Babbel said. “Personally I would therefore abolish such an individual award in a team sport like football,” he argued.

The official award ceremony takes place tonight in London, where the new winner will be announced. Despite Babbel’s protests the ceremony remains undiminished in interest.

German striker considered a top favorite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or

The jury consists of one journalist per country, selected from the top of the FIFA world ranking. Each journalist creates a top ten, with the number one receiving fifteen points and the number ten receiving one point.

According to bookmakers, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and the young Lamine Yamal are the favourites for the award. These players are often mentioned as contenders in the bets.

Babbel’s call for abolition underscores a growing discussion about individual awards in a collective sport. His critical voice adds a striking perspective to the debate around the Ballon d'Or.