Scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, this year’s ceremony arrives earlier than usual—an early signal of the mounting anticipation. Unlike previous years, where dominant campaigns or glittering trophy hauls often tipped the scales, 2025's race remains wide open, with several key competitions still to come, including the UEFA Champions League final, the Nations League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
According to French publication L’Équipe, UEFA has introduced revised voting guidelines that now rest on three core pillars: individual brilliance, team success, and fair play. The updated framework marks a departure from legacy-driven narratives, placing greater emphasis on seasonal merit rather than accumulated career achievements.
The New Criteria: A Shift in Focus
- Individual Performances – Voters will assess players based on decisiveness, influence, and on-pitch excellence throughout the season.
- Collective Success – Titles and trophies won with club and national teams will weigh heavily in the evaluation.
- Sportsmanship and Fair Play – Players’ behavior, professionalism, and respect for the game now factor into their overall standing.
UEFA stressed that the intention is to “crown the best footballer of the year based on true merit,” aligning with a broader move toward fairness and integrity in football’s top honors.
An Unpredictable Field Emerges
Last year’s winner, Rodri, edged out Vinicius Jr. despite Real Madrid’s early Champions League exit—a result shaped by Rodri’s commanding performances for Manchester City and Spain. However, this season brings a different narrative. No single player has yet managed to dominate across all fronts.
Players such as Kylian Mbappé remain in the spotlight. Although his first season with Real Madrid has yet to yield major silverware, his form and goal-scoring prowess keep him firmly in contention, especially with upcoming international fixtures that could tip the balance.
National teams like Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the final vote. At the same time, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Pedri may see their candidacies weakened by the absence from key tournaments like the Nations League and Club World Cup.
Progressive Moves in Recognition
In a parallel development, UEFA has announced that all male awards will now have corresponding female counterparts—an effort to strengthen gender equity in football accolades. This change reinforces the growing recognition of the women’s game and signals a broader cultural shift within the sport.
As the countdown to September continues, football fans can expect a tightly contested race—where every goal, assist, and act of sportsmanship could make the difference. With a reimagined voting system and no clear frontrunner, the 2025 Ballon d’Or may ultimately reflect not just excellence, but evolution in how greatness is defined.