Use stream of consciousness to answer the following. Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or. Prior to 1995, the award was often known in English language media as the European Footballer of the Year award. Milan's George Weah, the only African recipient, became the first non-European to win the award in the year that rules of eligibility were changed. Ronaldo of Internazionale became the first South American winner two years later. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the award a record five times each. Three players have won the award three times each: Johan Cruyff of Ajax and Barcelona, Michel Platini of Juventus and Marco van Basten of Milan. With seven awards each, Dutch and German players won the most Ballons d'Or. Spanish club Barcelona has the most winners, with 11 wins.\n\nAnswer this question based on the passage: who was the first person to win the ballon d'or?
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The important part for answering this question is: Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or. Final answer: Stanley Matthews of Blackpool.
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