The Ballon d'Or is back and the buzz is louder than ever. Every football fan is talking about who will lift the trophy this year, and you’re no exception. Whether you’re a club supporter or just love the game, this guide gives you the basics, the hot topics, and the best ways to stay in the loop.
From the Premier League to La Liga, the shortlist reads like a Who’s Who of modern football. Names that keep popping up are Erling Haaland, who’s broken goal records in Germany; Kylian Mbappé, the French speedster still chasing Champions League glory; and Lionel Messi, who somehow keeps adding magic to his résumé. In the midfield category, Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modrić remain strong contenders, while defenders like Virgil van Dijk and João Cancelo are surprisingly close to the top because of their impact on both ends of the pitch.
Don’t forget the dark horses – young talents like Jude Bellingham and Pedri have already earned places in the conversation thanks to their performances in the World Cup and domestic leagues. If you love a good underdog story, keep an eye on them.
The voting process is simple but powerful. A panel of journalists from France Football, coaches, and national team captains each get a ballot. They rank their top five players, assigning points from 5 down to 1. The player with the highest total wins. This mix of expert opinion and peer respect helps keep the award balanced, though fans often argue about bias toward big‑market clubs.
Recent changes have added a public voting element on the official Ballon d’Or website, letting supporters have a say. While it doesn’t count toward the final score, it’s a great way to voice your favorite player and see how the crowd feels.
Now that you know the basics, here’s how to keep up with every twist and turn:
While you wait for the final night, take a look at some recent football stories that tie into the Ballon d’Or conversation. For example, Cole Palmer’s recent penalty miss for Chelsea sparked debate about his consistency, a factor journalists consider when rating players. Meanwhile, Joao Neves’ suspension before the UEFA Super Cup shows how off‑field issues can affect a player's reputation in awards voting.
In short, the Ballon d’Or 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown. Keep your finger on the pulse, enjoy the drama, and get ready to celebrate the best of the beautiful game.
Just before the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, online posts claim Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is the winner, but the leak shows glaring errors. Fans and journalists question its authenticity while a rescheduled PSG‑Marseille match forces many nominees to miss the gala. The drama adds another layer to an already tense award night.
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