How Is The Ballon d'Or Winner Decided In 2025?

Introduction To The Ballon d'Or And Its Prestige

The Ballon d'Or remains football's most coveted individual accolade, awarded annually to the player deemed the best in the world. Since its inception in 1956, it has evolved into a global benchmark for excellence in football, attracting attention from fans, pundits, and players alike. But how exactly is the winner decided? This guide unpacks the intricate process behind the award, highlights notable changes over the years, and previews the top contenders for the 2025 ceremony.

The Voting Process For The Ballon d'Or

The selection of the Ballon d'Or winner follows a dual-stage voting system that ensures a broad and expert consensus. Initially, journalists from France Football and the fellow French sports publication L'Equipe collaborate to curate a list of 30 nominees. This shortlist is carefully selected based on players' performances over the previous season and sometimes includes insights from former players.

Following this, one football journalist representing each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations is invited to vote. Each journalist ranks their top 10 players from the shortlist, assigning points in descending order: 15 points for their first choice, 12 for second, 10 for third, and down to 1 point for the tenth. This weighted system rewards consistency and excellence across the board.

Once all votes are in, points are tallied to determine the winner and the overall ranking. In the event of a tie, the number of first-place votes acts as a tiebreaker, followed by second-place votes if necessary.

Key Criteria Journalists Must Consider

• Individual performances: This includes a player's decisive moments, consistency, and overall impact on matches.
• Team success: Achievements such as winning major trophies like the UEFA Champions League or the World Cup weigh in.
• Class and fair play: Sportsmanship and professionalism are also important.

Historical Changes In Ballon d'Or Voting

The Ballon d'Or's voting system has undergone significant transformations. From 1956 until 1995, only European players were eligible, narrowing the scope considerably. From 1995 to 2007, eligibility expanded to players of any nationality playing for European clubs.

Between 2007 and 2015, the vote expanded further to include not just journalists but also national team captains and managers. This period also saw a brief collaboration with FIFA, creating the Fifa Ballon d'Or. However, since 2016, voting has reverted exclusively to journalists, reaffirming the award’s independence and prestige.

Another notable shift occurred in 2022, when the award criteria changed from assessing players’ performances over a calendar year to evaluating a single full season. This aligns the award more closely with club football seasons, providing a clearer performance window.

The Ballon d'Or Feminine And Its Unique Voting

Introduced in 2018, the Ballon d'Or Féminin celebrates the best female footballer globally. The voting system mirrors the men's, but with a smaller jury of 50 journalists from the top-ranked nations rather than 100. This reflects the still-growing global coverage of women's football but maintains a high standard of evaluation.

Spanish internationals like Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas have been prominent winners, highlighting the rise of women's football in Europe. The women's game continues to gain momentum, with major broadcasters such as Sky Sports securing historic WSL broadcast deals from 2025, enhancing visibility and prestige.

Top Contenders For The 2025 Ballon d'Or

The 2025 list features a strong mix of established stars and emerging talent across Europe’s top leagues. Notable contenders include Jude Bellingham, recently moving to Real Madrid, whose impact in midfield has been monumental. Erling Haaland, the prolific Manchester City striker, remains a formidable candidate after his goal-scoring exploits. Kylian Mbappé’s pace and skill for Real Madrid also keep him in the conversation, as does Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, one of the few defenders regularly discussed for the award.

This year’s shortlist also reflects the globalisation of football talent, with players from diverse backgrounds and clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. The variety ensures a dynamic competition and exciting debate among fans and analysts.

Women’s Ballon d'Or 2025 Contenders

The women’s shortlist features key players from England’s Euro 2025-winning squad, such as Lucy Bronze and Chloe Kelly, alongside Spain’s Alexia Putellas and Barcelona teammates, illustrating the strength of club and international performances. This diversity showcases the rapidly evolving landscape of women’s football.

Common Criticisms Of The Ballon d'Or

While the Ballon d'Or commands respect, it is not without its critics. Some argue the award favours attacking players disproportionately. Defensive stalwarts and goalkeepers rarely win; only two centre-backs and one goalkeeper have ever lifted the trophy. This bias sparks debate about whether the award truly reflects all aspects of footballing excellence.

Others point to the influence of team success on voting, suggesting that players from winning teams in major tournaments gain an unfair advantage, even if their individual contributions are less impactful. Additionally, some fans question the legitimacy of an individual award in a team sport, preferring collective honours.

Despite these debates, the Ballon d'Or remains the most prestigious individual football award worldwide, its history and tradition giving it weight unmatched by newer accolades like the FIFA Best Player award.

When And Where Will The 2025 Ballon d'Or Be Announced?

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on 22 September 2025 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, a venue steeped in history and glamour. Alongside the main prize, several other honours will be awarded:

• The Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21, voted for exclusively by previous Ballon d'Or winners.
• The Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, selected by journalists.
• The Coach of the Year award, recognising managerial excellence.
• The Club of the Year trophy, celebrating the most outstanding team.

These additional awards highlight the comprehensive nature of the ceremony and honour multiple facets of football excellence.

Conclusion: Understanding The Ballon d'Or's Role In Football

For fans and players alike, the Ballon d'Or represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. Its rigorous voting process, rich history, and cultural significance make it a fascinating topic every year. Whether you follow the contenders’ journeys or debate the award’s merits, understanding how the winner is chosen enhances appreciation of the beautiful game.

For more insights on football transfers and the evolving football landscape, check out our detailed coverage like the Isak and Wissa transfer saga or explore the Manchester United scores and fixtures guide for the 2024-25 season.