The Ballon dâOr is widely recognised as footballâs highest individual honour. Each year, it celebrates the most outstanding player in the world â someone who has dazzled fans, delivered results, and defined the season with unforgettable performances.
But whatâs the real story behind this iconic golden trophy? Letâs explore what makes the Ballon dâOr so special, how itâs awarded, and who the likely frontrunners are in 2025.
đ€ What Exactly Is the Ballon dâOr?
The phrase âBallon dâOrâ translates to âGolden Ballâ in French, and the award itself lives up to its name. Launched in 1956 by France Football magazine, the Ballon dâOr was created to honour the best male footballer in Europe. Over the years, it has grown into the most prestigious award in the game â now covering global talent.
In 2018, the award finally opened its doors to women with the introduction of the Ballon dâOr FĂ©minin, recognising the best female footballer in the world.
Today, winning the Ballon dâOr is about more than just goals or stats â itâs about influence, class, consistency, and being the heartbeat of your team.
đ A Bit of History
Originally, the Ballon dâOr was only open to European players based in European clubs. That meant global legends like PelĂ© and Diego Maradona were never eligible during their prime years.
Thankfully, things changed:
- In 1995, players of any nationality playing in Europe became eligible.
- By 2007, the award became fully global, with players from any country and any league qualifying.
This shift allowed talents from all corners of the world to be recognised equally, and it gave fans a true reflection of the global nature of modern football.
đ How Is the Winner Chosen?
Winning the Ballon dâOr isnât just about fan votes or popularity. Thereâs a structured process behind the scenes.
Each year, a panel of France Football journalists selects 30 male and 20 female nominees. Based on their performances during the previous season, these players were selected.
Then, a group of journalists â one from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries for the menâs award, and 50 for the womenâs â cast their votes. They pick their top five players, awarding points: 6 for first place, 4 for second, and so on.
Voters consider:
- Individual performance and skill
- Team success (club and country)
- Player conduct and professionalism
The champion is crowned when the points are finalised. If thereâs a tie, the number of first-place votes becomes the decider.
đ Famous Winners and Records
The Ballon dâOr has honoured some of the greatest names in football history.
- Lionel Messi holds the record with 8 wins, setting a standard of brilliance that might never be matched.
- Cristiano Ronaldo follows closely with 5 Ballon dâOrs and a record 18 total nominations.
- Football legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten have each won it three times.
These players didnât just lift trophies â they redefined the game for their generation.
đ The Ballon dâOr in 2025: What to Expect
This yearâs Ballon dâOr ceremony will take place on Monday, 22 September 2025, at the elegant ThĂ©Ăątre du ChĂątelet in Paris.
The full shortlist of nominees will be revealed in early August, but conversations about likely contenders are already heating up.
Whoâs in the running?
- Mohamed Salah: His consistency for Liverpool has been nothing short of elite, delivering goals and leadership in equal measure.
- Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©: Revitalised at PSG, DembĂ©lĂ©âs pace and creativity have lit up Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
- Lamine Yamal: At just 17, the Barcelona starlet is already being talked about as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Of course, surprise entries always shake things up â and international tournaments like the Euros or Copa AmĂ©rica could tilt the scales.
✠Why Fans Care So Deeply
For fans, the Ballon dâOr is personal. It goes beyond sport â itâs about pride, loyalty, and passion. When your favourite player lifts the trophy, it feels like a victory for you too.
Fans debate it endlessly online and in person, defending their picks and questioning snubs. The drama, excitement, and fierce opinions are part of what makes the Ballon dâOr so special.
đ What It Means for Players
Winning the Ballon dâOr can define a playerâs career. It boosts their reputation globally, increases commercial value, and often cements their place in footballing history.
For young stars, it sets the tone for greatness. For legends, itâs the cherry on top of an extraordinary journey. Either way, itâs a career milestone that stays with them forever.
đ Other Awards on the Night
The Ballon dâOr ceremony includes a few additional prizes that shine a light on different types of excellence in the sport:
- The highest: prize in womenâs football is the Ballon dâOr FĂ©minin.
- Kopa Trophy: Given to the best male under-21 player.
- The Yashin: Trophy honours the seasonâs best goalie.
- The Gerd MĂŒller:The top goal scorer of the year receives the Gerd MĂŒller Trophy.
- The Socrates: Athletes that use charity or activism to change the world off the pitch are honoured with the Socrates Award.
These extra honours add depth to the event and highlight the many ways footballers can influence the game and the world.
â Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the most Ballon dâOr titles?
Lionel Messi, with eight wins, leads the list.
Can a goalkeeper win it?
Yes, although itâs rare. Lev Yashin is still the only goalkeeper to ever win, back in 1963.
Do team trophies influence the decision?
Definitely. While itâs an individual award, players from title-winning teams usually have an edge.
How they choose nominees?
France Football creates the shortlist based on seasonal performance, both at club and international level.
đ Final Word
The Ballon dâOr isnât just a golden trophy â itâs a celebration of brilliance, passion, and dedication. It immortalises footballers and creates moments that live on in fansâ hearts forever.
As we look ahead to the 2025 ceremony. The only certainty is that footballâs finest will be honoured â and fans everywhere will be watching, waiting, and debating who deserves to take home the gameâs greatest prize.
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