The Ballon d’Or remains one of football’s most prestigious individual awards, honoring the best player in the world each year. Since its inception in 1956, it has symbolized both brilliance on the pitch and recognition from the footballing community. As the 2025 ceremony unfolds in Paris, anticipation is high regarding who will be crowned the world’s best player for the 2024-25 season.
This year’s shortlist highlights the extraordinary stories of players such as Scott McTominay, who revitalized his career at Napoli, and established stars like Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembélé. Each brings unique achievements that fuel the debate about who deserves the golden trophy.
Scott McTominay: The Unlikely Contender
Few would have predicted Scott McTominay’s presence on the shortlist just a year ago. Once seen as a hardworking but limited midfielder at Manchester United, McTominay flourished under Antonio Conte at Napoli.
- Role Shift: Conte deployed him in an advanced midfield position, maximizing his goal-scoring instincts.
- Key Achievements: Scored 12 Serie A goals, including decisive strikes against Inter Milan and a spectacular scissor kick against Cagliari to secure the league title.
- Recognition: Named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player, cementing his status as one of the league’s standout performers.
His inclusion demonstrates how bold career moves can redefine a player’s trajectory and place them in the global spotlight.
Summary Table
Key Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Event |
Ballon d’Or 2025 Ceremony |
Location |
Paris, France |
Top Contenders |
Mohamed Salah, Scott McTominay, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha |
Judging Criteria |
Individual performance, collective success, fair play |
Voting System |
1 journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA countries |
Broadcast (UK) |
TNT Sports, discovery+ |
Broadcast (US) |
Paramount+ |
Official Site |
Mohamed Salah: The Front-Runner?
Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah has emerged as one of the strongest candidates. His numbers are staggering:
- Premier League Dominance: 29 goals and 18 assists, becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award, and Player of the Season in the same campaign.
- All Competitions: 34 goals and 23 assists across tournaments, the only player in Europe’s top five leagues to surpass 50 goal involvements.
- Impact: Beyond statistics, Salah’s consistency and ability to deliver in decisive games carried Liverpool to the Premier League title.
Many argue that no other player combined output, influence, and silverware as effectively as Salah during the season.
Lamine Yamal: The Rising Star
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s brightest talents. His performances in La Liga and Europe have pushed him into early Ballon d’Or conversations.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Yamal said:
“Every player wants to win the Ballon d’Or anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.”
Though many believe it is too soon for him to win, his inclusion underlines his extraordinary rise and potential to dominate future editions.
Other Strong Contenders
- Ousmane Dembélé: His flair and creativity were vital for Paris Saint-Germain’s domestic dominance, making him a fan-favorite candidate.
- Raphinha: Consistency at Barcelona has won him strong backing from supporters, particularly for his attacking contributions.
While debates rage among fans, the official Ballon d’Or criteria provide the framework for judging.
The Ballon d’Or Criteria Explained
According to France Football, the award is judged on three main factors:
- Individual Performance – consistency, decisive contributions, and standout moments.
- Collective Achievements – club and national team success.
- Fair Play and Character – sportsmanship and class both on and off the field.
Historically, forwards dominate the award. Out of 68 men’s Ballon d’Or trophies, 45 have gone to attackers. Only four defenders and a single goalkeeper, Lev Yashin in 1963, have ever claimed the honor.
How the Winner Is Chosen
- Jury: For the men’s award, one journalist from each of the world’s top 100 FIFA-ranked countries casts votes. For the women’s award, it is one from the top 50.
- Voting System: Each juror selects a top five from the 30-player shortlist, awarding 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point respectively. The player with the most total points wins.
- Shortlist Creation: France Football and L’Équipe editorial teams, last year’s most accurate jurors, and ambassador Didier Drogba finalize the list.
The process ensures a wide representation of footballing nations, though it has also been criticized for leaning toward attacking players.
History of the Ballon d’Or
The award began in 1956 as the European Footballer of the Year award, restricted to European players. In 1995, it expanded to include non-European players in European clubs, with George Weah becoming the first non-European winner. Finally, in 2007, it opened to players worldwide.
The women’s award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin, was only introduced in 2018, acknowledging the growing influence of women’s football globally.
Broadcast Details
- United Kingdom: Live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
- United States: Available on Paramount+.
- Global Information: Official Ballon d’Or Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who are the favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
Mohamed Salah leads the pack, with Scott McTominay, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and Raphinha also strong contenders.
Q2. How is the Ballon d’Or winner decided?
A panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations votes, with each selecting their top five players from the shortlist.
Q3. Has a defender or goalkeeper won the award before?
Yes, but rarely. Only four defenders and one goalkeeper, Lev Yashin in 1963, have won.
Q4. What is new about the 2025 shortlist?
It features surprising inclusions like Scott McTominay, whose move to Napoli transformed his career.
Q5. Where can fans watch the Ballon d’Or ceremony live?
In the UK on TNT Sports and discovery+, in the US on Paramount+, and globally via France Football’s official platforms.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or 2025 promises to be one of the most intriguing editions in recent memory. From McTominay’s underdog rise to Salah’s historic season, the shortlist reflects the diversity of footballing excellence today. Whether the award goes to a proven superstar or a breakthrough talent, the Ballon d’Or continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
For More Information Click HERE
