- Ceremony set for September 22 in Paris amid wide-open race for top honours
- New criteria focus on performance, team success, and fair play
- UEFA introduces gender-equivalent awards in push for equality
As the football world turns its attention to the 2025 Ballon d’Or, UEFA has announced updated criteria aimed at refining how the sport’s most prestigious individual honour is awarded.
This year’s ceremony will take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, which is an earlier date than usual, signalling increased anticipation and what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.
With key tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League final, the Nations League, and the expanded Club World Cup still to be played, no clear favourite has emerged, although PSG's Dembele, Barcelona's Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are thought to be front-runners.
According to L’Équipe, the revised Ballon d’Or criteria will now centre on three core pillars:
- Individual Performances: Assessing a player's brilliance, decisiveness, and overall influence on the pitch.
- Collective Success: Taking into account trophies won with both club and country.
- Sportsmanship and Fair Play: Recognising integrity and respect for the game.
UEFA said the goal is to “crown the best footballer of the year based on true merit,” with a shift away from career-long reputations or legacy-based voting.
A wide-open field for Ballon d'Or competitors
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race remains unpredictable. Last year’s winner, Rodri, secured the award thanks to standout displays for Manchester City and Spain, despite Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. being a frontrunner for much of the season.
With the Nations League and Club World Cup still to come, players from Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany are expected to factor heavily into the final voting.
However, Barcelona stars like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Pedri, whose teams won’t feature in those tournaments — may see their chances diminish.
Kylian Mbappé, despite not lifting major trophies in his debut season at Real Madrid, remains a strong contender. His goal-scoring form and potential Golden Boot win could enhance his chances significantly.
UEFA pushes for gender equality
In a landmark move, UEFA also confirmed that every men’s award will now have a corresponding women’s version, underscoring the organization’s commitment to gender equality in football honours.
Guardiola, Ancelotti address Ballon d'Or fallout before Etihad battle
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti addressed Real Madrid’s Ballon d'Or boycott ahead of their Champions League clash at the Etihad.
The Spanish giants had famously snubbed the prestigious awards night in Paris after learning that Vinicius Junior had lost out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. This action denied Ancelotti the opportunity to collect his own prize after being named the 2024 Men’s Coach of the Year.
