Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Markus Babbel calls Ballon d’Or a “clown competition”
Markus Babbel sharply criticized the Ballon d’Or, football’s annual award for the world’s best player.
The former Germany international and TV expert made his comments on the programme “ran.”
He said personal awards should be abolished in football, because it is a team sport.
Babbel called the award a “clown competition” and said he finds it ridiculous when fans or clubs are offended if their players are not selected.
Sports journalists choose the winners, with voters ranking players and awarding points.
The awards will be presented on Monday in London by France Football, in collaboration with UEFA.
Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the players named as contenders.
Former Germany international Markus Babbel called the Ballon d’Or “the biggest clown competition in the world.”
He said he would abolish individual voting in a team sport such as football.
Babbel criticized the reactions of fans and clubs when their players are not selected.
The award is due to be presented in London on Monday by France Football with UEFA.
Harry Kane is among the contenders, alongside Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
- Who
- Markus Babbel, a former Germany international and TV expert.
- What
- He criticized the Ballon d’Or and called it a “clown competition.
- When
- His remarks were reported on October 23, 2026. The award is due to be presented on Monday.
- Where
- The ceremony is due to take place in London.
- Why
- Babbel opposes individual voting in a team sport and said he finds the reactions to players not being selected ridiculous.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kane spoke after Bayern’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League.
Reports published Babbel’s criticism of the Ballon d’Or.
The Ballon d’Or is due to be presented in London.
- Babbel’s description
- The biggest clown competition in the world
- Award location
- London
- Award organizers
- France Football and UEFA
- Nominee count
- 30 players
- Named contenders
- Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé
3 sources
What people are saying
The biggest clown competition in the world. I laugh every time at how people or sometimes entire clubs are offended when their players are not chosen. I find that ridiculous.
I would generally abolish such a personal vote in a team sport like football.
Winning the Ballon d’Or would of course be great.