So I’ve only recently started following football and decided to watch the ballon d’or awards last night for the first time. I can confirm it will also be my last.

The vibe I was getting was that it’s obviously meant to be a prestigious award show. It is giving the most prestigious but individual awards in football - I think.

However, the issues with language barriers is weird. No English translations besides one guy speaking a few words every 10 minutes who you couldn’t hear. I’m not sure if this is different on other platforms but on TNT/discovery for the UK this was the case.

The production was lack luster and clearly a little unorganised. Focus was put on the awards being brought down from the Eiffel tower in LV suitcases and sent on a speed boat. Glitz, glamour, gold etc but not in a good way?

All but few guests seemed to not want to be there. Most seemed uncomfortable and awkward. Didier did a decent job but all in all the wording choices of their questions were weird, suggesting and had to force people to answer when they clearly didn’t want to.

Also the booing of Martinez was a shambles.

I’m just curious as to why this is the case. Is there anything in the past that people don’t like about the show which makes them not want to be there? Is it all the language barriers so people are on edge? Why isn’t it better organised? Or am I wrong?