Football is more than a game; it’s a global phenomenon, and at the heart of its highest individual honor lies the Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award has defined greatness, immortalized legends, and sparked countless debates among fans. In 2025, the Ballon d’Or remains the gold standard for recognizing the world’s best footballer.
Whether you’re a seasoned football analyst, a casual fan, or someone simply curious about the hype, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from its rich history to recent trends, the selection process, and who’s making headlines this year.
The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award, presented annually to the best-performing male and female players worldwide. Managed by France Football, it reflects excellence, consistency, and impact both on and off the pitch. In 2025, trends show increased focus on statistical performance, team achievements, and global influence. This article unpacks its history, criteria, controversies, and what fans can expect from the Ballon d’Or this year and beyond.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or, meaning “Golden Ball” in French, is an annual football award presented by France Football magazine. It honors the best male and female footballers in the world, judged by a panel of international journalists, national team coaches, and captains.
A Brief History
- Founded in 1956 by sports journalist Gabriel Hanot.
- Originally open only to European players, it expanded to include all nationalities in 1995.
- Between 2010–2015, it merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year, becoming the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
- In 2016, the partnership ended, and France Football resumed sole ownership.
- In 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin was introduced to honor the best female footballer.
Why the Ballon d’Or Matters
The Ballon d’Or is often compared to the Oscars of Football. While team trophies like the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA World Cup celebrate collective effort, the Ballon d’Or singles out individual brilliance, influence, and consistency over the calendar year.
Winning it places players in elite company alongside legends like:
- Lionel Messi – 8-time winner (record as of 2023)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 5-time winner
- Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, George Weah, Luka Modrić – and many others.
How is the Ballon d’Or Winner Chosen?
Step-by-Step Guide to the Selection Process
Nomination
- A shortlist of 30 male and 20 female players is compiled by France Football editors.
- The list reflects individual and team performances over the calendar year.
Voting Panel Formation
- Voters include journalists from 100+ countries, focusing on nations ranked highest in FIFA rankings.
- Each journalist selects 5 players from the shortlist.
Scoring System
- Points are awarded as follows:
- 1st place: 6 points
- 2nd: 4 points
- 3rd: 3 points
- 4th: 2 points
- 5th: 1 point
- 1st place: 6 points
Evaluation Criteria
- Individual performance (goals, assists, saves)
- Team success (domestic and international trophies)
- Fair play and leadership
- Career legacy and consistency
Announcement & Ceremony
- Held in Paris, usually in October.
- Broadcast globally and attended by football’s elite.
Ballon d’Or Trends in 2025
As of 2025, the landscape of the Ballon d’Or is shifting in several notable ways:
Rise of Data-Driven Decisions
Advanced analytics like Expected Goals (xG), passing efficiency, and defensive duels won are being used by voters to assess player impact beyond basic stats.
Impact of Women’s Football
The Ballon d’Or Féminin continues to grow in prestige. With players like Alexia Putellas and Sam Kerr setting new records, expect more parity in global attention.
Emergence of Youth Stars
Players like Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and Linda Caicedo are being tipped for future dominance, reflecting a generational shift.
Geopolitical Influence
Global representation is becoming more diverse, with African, Asian, and South American journalists playing a larger role in shaping outcomes.
Club and International Balance
Unlike previous years dominated by club performance, 2025 sees greater weight given to international achievements, particularly in competitions like AFCON, Copa América, and the UEFA Nations League.
Real-Life Examples of Ballon d’Or Moments
Lionel Messi’s 8th Win (2023)
After leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022, Messi secured his 8th Ballon d’Or, reinforcing his legacy as perhaps the greatest of all time.
Alexia Putellas’ Reign
The Spanish midfielder won back-to-back Ballon d’Or Féminin titles in 2021 and 2022, symbolizing the rise of technical midfielders in women’s football.
Luka Modrić’s Underdog Victory (2018)
Breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, Modrić’s performance in the World Cup and Champions League highlighted the importance of team orchestration over goal-scoring.
Who Are the Ballon d’Or Favorites in 2025?
Here are the top contenders (as of mid-2025):
Men’s Ballon d’Or
- Kylian Mbappé (PSG): Top scorer in Ligue 1 and Champions League finalist.
- Erling Haaland (Man City): Continues his goal-scoring streak across competitions.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Emerging as one of the best midfielders.
- Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid): Key performances in La Liga and UCL.
Women’s Ballon d’Or
- Sam Kerr (Chelsea): Leading scorer in WSL and crucial for Australia.
- Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid): Making waves with technical brilliance.
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona): Midfield dynamo and consistent performer.
Practical Tips: How Young Players Can Aim for the Ballon d’Or
Excel in Club Competitions
Perform consistently in top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, or UEFA tournaments.
Shine in International Matches
Tournaments like the World Cup or Copa América can make or break candidacies.
Focus on All-Round Development
Don’t just score goals. Improve vision, stamina, and decision-making.
Maintain Professionalism
Avoid controversies and demonstrate leadership on and off the pitch.
Stay Fit and Injury-Free
Injuries have derailed many top players. Proper training and recovery are crucial.
Ballon d’Or and Cultural Impact
The Ballon d’Or transcends sport. It influences marketing, fan identity, and even geopolitics. Similar to public figures like Angela Rayner or cultural icons like Jason David Frank, winners shape public discourse.
From the iconic golden trophy hoisting moment to intense social media debates, the Ballon d’Or is as much a spectacle as it is a sporting honor.
Related Stories and Social Context
- Like the activism of Marian Price in politics, players increasingly use their platform for social causes.
- Stars like Lashana Lynch challenge stereotypes—just as women in football now challenge historical male dominance.
- Public scrutiny of athletes’ behavior is comparable to the media lens on celebrities like Annabel Croft or even controversial figures examined in cases like Mr Tumble’s criminal record.
FAQ: Ballon d’Or
Who votes for the Ballon d’Or?
A panel of international journalists selected by France Football votes for the Ballon d’Or, with one representative per top-ranked FIFA nation.
Can a goalkeeper win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes, though rare. The last goalkeeper to win was Lev Yashin in 1963. Manuel Neuer and Alisson Becker have come close in recent years.
What’s the difference between the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Awards?
The Ballon d’Or is awarded by France Football with journalists as voters, while FIFA’s “The Best” involves national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans.
Has a defender ever won the Ballon d’Or?
Yes. Notably, Fabio Cannavaro won in 2006 after Italy’s World Cup win, and Franz Beckenbauer won it twice in the 1970s.
What age do players usually win the Ballon d’Or?
Winners typically peak between 24 and 30, though exceptions like Messi (first win at 22) and Modrić (win at 33) prove there’s no fixed formula.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or remains the ultimate benchmark for individual greatness in football. As the sport evolves with data analytics, international reach, and growing gender parity, the award continues to adapt and inspire. In 2025, it doesn’t just celebrate goals or trophies—it honors influence, resilience, and excellence.
Whether you’re eyeing the next breakout star or debating football’s GOAT, the Ballon d’Or keeps the conversation alive, meaningful, and global.
