UEFA Introduces New Ballon d’Or Criteria Ahead of 2025 Ceremony

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up as UEFA unveils a revamped framework for selecting football’s most prestigious individual award. Set to take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, this year’s ceremony promises a fiercely competitive showdown, with no clear frontrunner dominating the field.

UEFA, in partnership with the award’s organizers, has introduced a new evaluation system emphasizing three core criteria: exceptional individual performances, team successes at club and international levels, and exemplary sportsmanship and fair play. According to L’Équipe, the updated process aims to prioritize merit over reputation or past achievements, ensuring a fairer and more transparent selection.

With major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, Nations League, and Club World Cup still ongoing, the competition remains wide open. National teams from France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome, particularly through their performances in the Nations League.

Last year, Manchester City’s Rodri clinched the award, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. thanks to his pivotal contributions to City’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s international success. This year, however, players like Pedri, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal could face challenges, as they are unlikely to participate in key upcoming matches.

Kylian Mbappé remains a strong contender despite a trophy-less debut season at Real Madrid. His chase for individual accolades, such as the Golden Boot, and his involvement in high-stakes fixtures could bolster his campaign.

In a groundbreaking step toward gender equality, UEFA also announced that all male award categories will now have equivalent female categories, reinforcing the push for inclusivity in football’s highest honors.
As the football world awaits the final stretch of the season, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race promises to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent history.