Why the 2020 Ballon d'Or Was Never Awarded: The Full Story Behind Football's Biggest Missing Prize
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, recognizing the best player in the world each year. Since its creation in 1956, the award has celebrated some of the greatest names in football history, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Karim Benzema.
However, 2020 remains one of the most unusual years in the award's history. For the first time in decades, no Ballon d'Or winner was announced. The decision shocked football fans around the world, especially because many believed Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski had done enough to claim the prestigious honor.
So, why was the 2020 Ballon d'Or never awarded? Here's the complete story.
Why the 2020 Ballon d'Or Was Never Awarded
The COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Everything
The 2020 football season was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Major leagues across Europe were suspended for several months, while some competitions were canceled altogether. Different countries resumed football at different times, creating an unusual and inconsistent season.
Because of these circumstances, France Football, the organization behind the Ballon d'Or, announced in July 2020 that the award would not be presented that year. The organizers believed it would be impossible to judge every player fairly, as not all leagues and competitions had been completed under the same conditions.
According to France Football, maintaining the integrity and credibility of the award was more important than selecting a winner during such an unprecedented season. The decision marked the first time since 1956 that the Ballon d'Or was not awarded.
Who Was the Favorite to Win the 2020 Ballon d'Or?
Although the award was canceled, there was little doubt about who many people believed deserved it.
Robert Lewandowski enjoyed one of the greatest individual seasons in modern football. The Polish striker led Bayern Munich to an incredible treble, winning the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal. He also finished as the top scorer in all three competitions, consistently delivering match-winning performances throughout the campaign.
Robert Lewandowski's 2019–20 Season in Numbers
Lewandowski's statistics highlighted just how dominant he was during the 2019–20 season:
- 47 appearances in all competitions
- 55 goals
- 10 assists
- 34 Bundesliga goals in 31 matches (League Top Scorer)
- 15 UEFA Champions League goals and 6 assists in just 10 matches (Champions League Top Scorer)
- 6 DFB-Pokal goals in 5 matches
- Won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League treble.
His 55 goals were the highest total among players in Europe's top five leagues that season, making him the overwhelming favorite for football's most prestigious individual award.
Other Players Who Also Had Outstanding Seasons
While Lewandowski was widely regarded as the leading candidate, several other world-class players also produced exceptional campaigns:
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona): Scored 31 goals and provided 26 assists in all competitions, finishing as La Liga's top scorer while also leading Europe's top five leagues in league assists.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus): Recorded 37 goals and 7 assists in all competitions, helping Juventus win the Serie A title.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Produced 16 goals and 23 assists, equaling the Premier League record with 20 league assists.
- Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich): Contributed 14 goals and 26 assists, including a Bundesliga-record 21 assists, playing a crucial role in Bayern Munich's treble-winning season.
- Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain): Registered 19 goals and 12 assists, inspiring PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League final.
Despite the outstanding performances from these stars, football fans, pundits, and many former players believed Robert Lewandowski's achievements placed him ahead of the competition. His remarkable consistency, incredible goal-scoring record, and decisive role in Bayern Munich's historic treble made him the overwhelming favorite to win the 2020 Ballon d'Or before the award was canceled.
Was the 2020 Ballon d'Or Ever Going to Be Awarded Later?
Several years after the cancellation, speculation resurfaced that France Football
In 2024, rumors circulated across football media and social platforms claiming that Robert Lewandowski could finally be recognized with the canceled award. The reports quickly gained attention, giving many fans hope that the Bayern Munich legend would receive the honor they believed he deserved.
However, no official announcement followed. France Football did not confirm the reports or reverse its original decision, and the 2020 Ballon d'Or was never awarded.
As a result, the 2020 edition remains officially canceled, making it the only Ballon d'Or in the award's history not to have a winner since its inception in 1956.
Why Fans Still Believe Lewandowski Deserved It
Even years later, many supporters continue to argue that Robert Lewandowski was unfairly denied football's highest individual honor.
His remarkable goal-scoring record, consistency throughout the season, and key role in Bayern Munich's historic treble have made his 2019–20 campaign one of the greatest individual seasons in modern football.
Although the trophy was never presented, many football fans, pundits, and former players still regard Lewandowski as the unofficial Ballon d'Or winner of 2020. While the award remains officially canceled, the debate over who deserved it has never truly disappeared.
Has France Football Changed Its Decision?
As of 2026, France Football has not changed its position.
The organization continues to recognize 2020 as the only year in Ballon d'Or history without an official winner. Despite ongoing discussions among fans, pundits, and former players, the canceled award has never been reinstated or presented retrospectively.
As a result, there is officially no 2020 Ballon d'Or winner, and the award remains the only canceled edition since the Ballon d'Or was first introduced in 1956.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the 2020 Ballon d'Or remains one of the most debated decisions in football history. While France Football believed canceling the award was the fairest decision during the COVID-19 pandemic, many supporters still believe Robert Lewandowski produced a season worthy of football's greatest individual honor.
Although history records no official winner for 2020, the debate continues today, ensuring that the canceled Ballon d'Or remains one of the sport's biggest "what if" moments.