The FIFA Ballon d’Or will be presented at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 11 January 2016. But before the biggest individual award ceremony in world football takes centre stage, the FIFA World Football Museum will host a special exhibition giving visitors the chance to see the actual trophies that will be presented to the stars.
Opening its doors to all football and sports fans in the first quarter of 2016, the museum will host the special exhibition on the award and its history from 5 to 11 January. Visitors will be able to view, and have their photograph taken with, the actual trophies that will be presented at the red carpet event at the free ‘FIFA Ballon d’Or – The History’ exhibition.
Originally reserved for the European player of the year, the prestigious award was first presented by French magazine France Football in 1956. The ceremony has continued to grow over the past 60 years, and in 2010 the FIFA World Player of the Year and France Football’s Ballon d’Or merged to create the FIFA Ballon d’Or award. Today, the winner is chosen by the head coaches and captains of national teams, as well as by selected football journalists. Other awards that will be presented on the night include the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, and the FIFA World Coaches of the Year for Men’s and Women’s Football.
The special exhibition at the FIFA World Football Museum will shine a spotlight on the development and history of the FIFA Ballon d’Or, and explain the voting procedure in more detail. There will, of course, also be showcases on all previous winners of both the men’s and women’s awards. The temporary display will also give visitors a first look at the museum, which will boast an exhibition area that covers all aspects of the world of football, across more than 3,000 square metres and three levels of exhibition space.
Focusing on the development of the international game and the unique pulling power of the World Cup, the museum will also offer visitors an interactive, multimedia experience looking at the emotions that football awakens on a daily basis all around the world, thrilling people and shaping their lives. There will be a sports bar, a bistro, a cafeteria, a shop and a library, all of which will be open to the public, as well as a seminar and event area.
Address: FIFA World Football Museum, Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zurich
Dates: 5-11 January 2016
Opening times: 10.00 to 19.00 (Monday, 11 January 2016: only open until 13.00)
Free entry