30 Images From The Absurd Ceremony FIFA Throws To Give Out Its Annual Awards

In one of the many traditions that makes European soccer more grandiose than American sports, FIFA held its annual gala to present the Ballon d'Or in Switzerland today.

The Ballon d'Or is like the MVP award.

Instead of simply holding a press conference to announce the winners, FIFA throws a big ceremony involving dancing, singing, mascots, and the inexplicable presence of small children.

It's oddly compelling, and we were pretty impressed, even if Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't.