Ballon d’Or 2025: Organisers reveal three criteria for deciding winner

The organisers of the world-renowned Ballon d’Or award have officially revealed the three major criteria that will guide the selection of the 2025 winner, offering football fans a clearer picture of what to expect as the countdown to the ceremony begins.

According to the announcement, the first and most important benchmark will be a player’s individual performance over the course of the year. This includes overall consistency, ability to rise to the occasion in big games, and producing decisive contributions in moments that shaped matches or competitions. Players who demonstrate extraordinary skill, resilience, and influence when their teams need them most will be placed at the forefront of consideration.

The second criterion will revolve around team achievements and collective success. Beyond personal brilliance, the award will also recognise those who played key roles in their club or national team’s triumphs in prestigious tournaments such as domestic leagues, continental competitions, or international championships. The organisers emphasised that football remains a team sport, and individuals who inspire, elevate, and carry their squads to glory will be duly rewarded.

The third and final factor is the often-overlooked element of class and fair play. The organisers highlighted that the Ballon d’Or is not just about goals, assists, or defensive records. It is equally about honouring players who embody professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. This means that the eventual winner must represent not only technical excellence but also the spirit and integrity of the game.

By laying out these guidelines, the organisers aim to give fans, analysts, and even players themselves greater transparency into the selection process. Every year, debates surrounding potential winners dominate football discussions, and this clarification seeks to ensure that conversations are framed around the actual principles guiding the award.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to be staged in Paris on Monday, September 22, with UEFA stepping in as a co-organiser. Expectations are already building as the footballing world eagerly awaits to see who will lift the sport’s most coveted individual prize.

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees
Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Désiré Doué, Denzel Dumfries, Serhou Guirassy, Viktor Gyökeres, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Robert Lewandowski, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Scott McTominay, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Michael Olise, Cole Palmer, Pedri, Raphinha, Declan Rice, Fabián Ruiz, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Vinícius Júnior, Vitinha, Florian Wirtz, Lamine Yamal.

Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees

Sandy Baltimore, Barbra Banda, Aitana Bonmatí, Lucy Bronze, Klara Bühl, Mariona Caldentey, Sofia Cantore, Steph Catley, Temwa Chawinga, Melchie Dumornay, Emily Fox, Cristiana Girelli, Esther González, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Amanda Gutierres, Hannah Hampton, Pernille Harder, Lindsey Heaps, Chloe Kelly, Frida Maanum, Marta, Clara Mateo, Ewa Pajor, Clàudia Pina, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Caroline Weir, Leah Williamson.