France Football: The Legacy of Europe's Premier Football Publication
For nearly eight decades, France Football has stood as a cornerstone of sports journalism. Published by Groupe Amaury and based in Paris, this French monthly magazine is widely regarded as one of the most reputable sports publications in Europe. It is celebrated for its high-quality photographic reports, exclusive in-depth interviews, and meticulous statistics regarding the UEFA Champions League and various European leagues.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1946 in Paris, France.
- Publisher: Groupe Amaury.
- Primary Claim to Fame: Creator and administrator of the Ballon d'Or.
- Frequency: Monthly publication.
- Language: French.
- ISSN: 0015-9557.
The History and Evolution of the Magazine
The roots of France Football trace back to a publication simply titled Football, which ran from 1927 to 1944 and served as a semi-official organ for the FFF (French Football Federation). When France Football launched in 1946, it began as a modest publication printed on plain black-and-white newsprint.
The magazine underwent a significant visual transformation in February 1977 with the introduction of a color front page. This marked the beginning of its evolution into a highly illustrated magazine featuring large-format color photography. This shift in quality mirrored a growth in popularity; circulation rose from 120,000 copies in 1975 to 213,000 by 2004.
The publication schedule has also shifted over time. Between 1974 and 1982, and again from 1997 to 2013, the magazine produced two weekly issues. The Friday edition was known as France Foot 2 from 1978 to 1982. By April 2013, the magazine streamlined to a single Tuesday issue, which later moved to a Wednesday publication date in January 2015.
The Ballon d'Or and Global Recognition
Since 1956, France Football has been the steward of the Ballon d'Or (meaning "Golden Ball"), originally known as the "European Footballer of the Year" award. This trophy has become the most prestigious individual honor in the sport.
The award's administration saw a major change in 2010 when it merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year award to become the FIFA Ballon d'Or. This partnership with FIFA, the sport's global governing body, lasted until 2016, at which point France Football resumed full and sole ownership of the trophy.
Annual and Special Awards
Beyond the main trophy, the magazine manages a comprehensive suite of annual honors and special recognitions:
- Individual Awards: Ballon d'Or Féminin (women's), Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, Gerd Müller Trophy, and the Sócrates Award.
- Team and National Awards: Club of the Year, Johan Cruyff Trophy, and the French Player of the Year (awarded since 1959).
- Special Editions: The Super Ballon d'Or (1989) and the Ballon d'Or Dream Team (2020).
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the traditional awards, the magazine polled 177 journalists from leading global media outlets. This resulted in the creation of three "dream teams"—symbolic lineups of the greatest players in football history, ranked first, second, and third.
Publication Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1946 |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Publisher | Groupe Amaury |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Website | francefootball.fr |
| Key Award | Ballon d'Or |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or, or "Golden Ball," is an annual award presented by France Football to the best football player of the year. It was established in 1956 and was originally called the European Footballer of the Year.
Was the Ballon d'Or ever managed by FIFA?
Yes. Between 2010 and 2016, the award was merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year award to create the FIFA Ballon d'Or. France Football resumed full ownership of the award in 2016.
What is the Ballon d'Or Dream Team?
Created in 2020 during the pandemic, the Dream Team is a symbolic selection of the best players in football history, determined by a vote of 177 journalists from leading media outlets worldwide.
How has the magazine's format changed over time?
France Football began as a black-and-white newsprint publication. In 1977, it introduced a color front page and eventually evolved into a high-quality illustrated magazine with large-format color photography.
Who publishes France Football?
The magazine is published by Groupe Amaury and is based in Paris, France.