Confessions of a Ballon d’Or voter

In Paris tonight, during a television programme hosted by David Ginola, the famous Ballon d’Or trophy will be presented for the 62nd time.

Whoever wins the award for 2017, your humble correspondent played a part in the election for the 30th year running, together with football reporters in more than 100 countries.

My involvement began in 1988. As Ireland correspondent of France Football, the magazine that organises the prize, I was invited to cast the Republic of Ireland vote in collaboration with Jimmy Magee.