In my research, I came across some fascinating tidbits and anomalies surrounding Ballon d‘Or history:

The short answer is no. As an iconic symbol of being crowned the world‘s best footballer, winners of the Ballon d‘Or do not get to keep the original trophy permanently. Instead, they receive a smaller replica version to display their achievement. Mourinho's Ballon d'Or belief proven right as Messi edges out Haaland in 'popularity contest' ". sport.optus.com.au . Retrieved 1 November 2023. The original trophy was designed by French artist Abel Lafleur and depicts a footballer holding up the world. France Football engraves the winners‘ name on the base each year. Winning the Ballon d’Or immediately puts a player into elite company. The trophy‘s roll of honor reads like a Who’s Who of footballing legends. From Stanley Matthews and Alfredo Di Stefano in the 1950s, to modern superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Exclusive Ballon d‘Or Winners Club Cristiano Ronaldo donated his 2013 replica to a charity auction, raising €600,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.Each ceremony recognises individuals who have made their mark on the game and they have proven to be a good way to measure who has shone brightest during specific eras. While the winners don‘t obtain the original Ballon d‘Or, the golden replica and accompanying recognition are still massively significant achievements in a footballer‘s career. Having your name etched alongside the greats is an incredible legacy. Weekly Why: FIFA's Ballon d'Or and the Absurdity of Glorifying Individual Awards". Bleacher Report . Retrieved 1 November 2023.

France Football Player of the Century - Who voted for who?". BigSoccer Forum . Retrieved 25 May 2023. Historically dominated by European players, eligibility expanded through the 1990s and 2000s to include any player at a European club. Since 2007, any player worldwide has been eligible.They are regarded by many as the most prestigious, significant awards in the music industry worldwide. It was originally called the Gramophone Awards, as the trophy depicts a gilded gramophone. The Grammys are the first of the Big Three networks' major music awards held annually, and is considered one of the four major annual American entertainment awards, alongside the Academy Awards (for films), the Emmy Awards (for television), and the Tony Awards (for theater). Messi becomes first to win Ballon d'Or without playing in Europe". www.besoccer.com . Retrieved 1 November 2023.

Perez, Steven (30 October 2023). "Manchester City has emerged as the premier football club of the year". DailySPORTS . Retrieved 30 October 2023. While these are accolades any player would hope to win, there are a few key differences between the Ballon d'Or and FIFA's The Best. Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo wants 'to get better' after winning European award". The Telegraph. 2 December 2018. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020 . Retrieved 18 March 2020. As an investment and business data expert, I have delved deeply into the fascinating world of football finances. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my insight into the Ballon d‘Or, explaining its history, value and the rules around who gets to keep it. The Origins and Prestige of the Coveted Ballon d‘OrBallon d'Or 2021 - Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski wins Goalscorer of the Year award". Eurosport.com. Eurosport. 29 November 2021. Archived from the original on 2 December 2021 . Retrieved 17 May 2022.

Parimal (22 November 2021). "5 legends who slammed the Ballon d'Or over the years". www.sportskeeda.com . Retrieved 1 November 2023. To put it into perspective, analysts estimate each replica has a value around €3,000. Not too shabby for a runner-up prize! What Players Choose To Do With Their Replica The collaboration saw the accolade renamed the 'FIFA Ballon d'Or' before both parties went their separate ways in 2015 and FIFA launched their own awards promptly afterwards. Cristiano Ronaldo won two FIFA Ballons d'Or ( 2013, 2014) and finished in second place three times ( 2011, 2012, 2015). [29] [30] Trophies engraved with each recipient's name are not available until after the award announcements, so "stunt" trophies are re-used each year for the ceremony broadcast. By February 2009, some 7,578 Grammy trophies had been awarded.Its annual awards ceremony draws global media coverage. Fans eagerly speculate on winners, debate results, and buy merchandise promoting their favorite players. Despite their many differences, both awards have often been won by the same players in the same years. In 2021 France Football awarded Robert Lewandowski with a Striker of the Year award for scoring the most goals the previous season. After Gerd Müller passing the award was renamed as the Gerd Müller Trophy. [36] [37] Men's Club of the Year Murray, Scott (29 November 2021). "Alexia Putellas and Lionel Messi win 2021 Ballon d'Or – as it happened". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077 . Retrieved 25 May 2023. FIFA World Player Gala 2008". FIFA.com. 12 January 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020 . Retrieved 18 March 2020.