Ballon d’Or 2025: Criteria, Voting, and Everything You Need to Know Before the Gala

The most anticipated moment of the year for world football has arrived. The 2025 Ballon d’Or is about to be decided in Paris. This prestigious football award, presented by France Football, recognizes the best male and female footballers of the season. As in the last edition, the ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet.

How Is the Ballon d’Or Winner Chosen?

The voting system is handled by 100 journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries. They are responsible for selecting the winner in the men’s category, as well as the recipient of the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper). For the Kopa Trophy (best young player), the jury consists exclusively of living former Ballon d’Or winners.

The nomination process also has its own system: journalists from the editorial teams of L’Équipe and France Football select 30 male candidates, 20 female candidates, and 10 candidates each for the Yashin Trophy and Kopa Trophy.

A Prize That Changed Its Rules

Until 2021, the Ballon d’Or rewarded performance over a calendar year. However, since 2022, the criteria have shifted: the award now recognizes the best footballer of the season, which for this edition covers the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

Another significant change is the reduction in the number of voting countries. Only the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries participate in selecting the men’s winner, while the top 50 countries vote in the women’s category. Currently, the men’s trophy is held by Rodrigo Hernández (Rodri), and the women’s by Spanish player Aitana Bonmatí.

What Is Evaluated in the Candidates?

Journalists must adhere to three main criteria defined by France Football:

Individual and decisive performance: Goals, assists, statistics, influence on the game, and consistency throughout the season.

Collective successes and team achievements: Titles won at both club and international levels, and the player’s role in those successes.

Fair play and public image: The footballer’s class on and off the pitch, including sportsmanship and charitable actions.

Within this framework, the 2025 Ballon d’Or not only honors the best player of the season but also the one who embodies the values of football both on and off the field.