Chijioke Gabriel
UEFA has unveiled revised voting criteria for the 2025 Ballon d’Or as expectation builds for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
With this year’s ceremony scheduled to take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Francis, the early date signals the growing excitement around what is expected to be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent years.
With major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League final, Nations League, and Club World Cup still ahead, no clear frontrunner has emerged.
The new Ballon d’Or criteria, as confirmed by L’Équipe, will focus on three pillars which include: Individual Performances – the brilliance, decisiveness, and influence of players on the pitch.
Collective Success – titles and trophies achieved with clubs and national teams.
Sportsmanship and Fair Play – a nod to the integrity and spirit of the game.
UEFA noted that the aim is to “crown the best footballer of the year based on true merit,” with less emphasis on lifetime achievements that may skew judgment.
The battle for this year’s award remains wide open. Last year’s winner, Rodri, clinched the prize over Vinicius Jr. despite Real Madrid’s early Champions League exit. His decisive performances for Manchester City in the Premier League and for Spain in 2024 proved crucial.
With the Nations League on the horizon, national teams like Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany are expected to influence the final votes once again.
However, players such as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Pedri, who are absent from both the Nations League and Club World Cup, may find their chances limited.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, despite not securing major trophies in his debut season with Real Madrid, remains a strong contender. His chase for the Golden Boot and participation in upcoming tournaments could boost his standing significantly.
In a progressive step, UEFA has also announced that all male awards will now have corresponding female versions, reinforcing a commitment to gender equality in football recognition.
