If you love football, the Ballon d’Or is the headline of every season’s end‑game. The 2025 edition promises another showdown between world‑class talent and fresh faces breaking out on the biggest stages. In this guide we’ll break down how the award works, who’s in the mix and why it matters to fans like you.
The Ballon d’Or is voted by journalists from around the globe, plus coaches and captains of national teams. Each voter gets a shortlist – usually 30 players – and ranks them from first to fifth. Points are assigned (6 for first place, 5 for second, down to 2 for fifth) and the totals decide the winner.
Transparency is key: after voting closes, France Football publishes the full ranking so you can see how close the race really was. The whole process takes about two weeks after the season ends, giving everyone time to digest league stats, Champions League moments and individual awards.
While the shortlist isn’t out yet, a few names are already buzzing on social media. Players who lifted major trophies or broke scoring records usually get the nod. Look out for a mix of seasoned stars – think Lionel Messi if he stayed fit, Kevin De Bruyne after another Premier League title, and Karim Benzema if his form kept soaring – alongside rising talents like Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham or Vinícius Júnior.
Don’t forget the impact of big tournaments. The 2025 Copa America, Euro qualifiers and the Champions League final are all chances for a player to shine on an international stage and swing votes in their favour. Keep an eye on who scores the decisive goals or pulls off unforgettable performances – those moments often tip the scales.
For fans, following the Ballon d’Or means staying updated with match highlights, stats sites and the official France Football announcements. Most clubs will run live‑tweet threads when the shortlist drops, and you’ll find plenty of prediction polls on football forums. Whether you back a veteran or bet on the breakout star, the conversation is part of the fun.
In short, Ballon d’Or 2025 will reward the player who combined consistency, big‑game impact and pure talent across club and country. Keep reading our tag page for the latest news, expert analysis and post‑award reactions as soon as they happen.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri takes the lead in the Ballon d'Or 2025 power rankings amid Real Madrid's boycott of the Paris ceremony. This shake-up impacts Vinicius Jr's Golden Ball hopes as other players like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah also vie for the prestigious award. Recent performances, team success, and individual accolades influence these rankings.