Who picks the winner?

The Ballon d’Or 2025 will be awarded on September 22 at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The gala will celebrate the best footballer in the world after a historic season, but behind the glamour, there’s a meticulous and demanding process.

The vote is in the hands of 100 journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. They are responsible for choosing among 30 nominees, selected by the editorial teams of France Football and L’Équipe. In addition, the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) and Kopa Trophy (best young player) are also awarded, although only former Ballon d’Or winners vote for the latter.

What matters when choosing the Ballon d’Or winner?

Since 2022, the Ballon d’Or has been awarded based on a seasonal performance (from July 1 to June 30), not by calendar year. And while voting has a degree of subjectivity, the criteria are clearly defined by the organizers:

1. Individual performance and decisive impact.
2. Team achievements and collective success.
3. Sportsmanship and the player’s class, on and off the pitch.

Career trajectory no longer plays a role in the voting. What counts is what the player did in the most recent season.

How does the points system work?

Each journalist ranks five players in order of preference. The top choice receives 6 points, then 4, 3, 2, and 1 point respectively. The player with the highest total wins the Ballon d’Or. If there’s a tie, it’s broken based on the number of first-place votes, then second-place votes, and so on. If still tied, France Football has the final say.

The countdown is on

The Ballon d’Or 2025 is shaping up to be a thriller. With contenders like Dembélé, Bellingham, and Haaland, the jury has a tough decision ahead. But one thing’s clear: this trophy is not about fame or viral goals—it’s about excellence, leadership, and true impact on the game.