How the 2025 Ballon d’Or Is Decided: Rules, Voting, and Key Criteria

The 2025 Ballon d’Or will soon crown football’s top stars in Paris. This award, run by France Football, honors the best male and female players of the season. The gala takes place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where the world will watch the results unfold.

The system behind the trophy is strict. Only selected journalists and past winners take part in voting. The process ensures global balance and fairness.

How the Ballon d’Or Voting System Works

The men’s Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. They also pick the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper. The women’s award is chosen by voters from the top 50 nations.

The Kopa Trophy, given to the best young player, is unique. Only living former Ballon d’Or winners can vote in this category. This adds prestige and keeps the decision with those who know the game best.

According to Reuters, nominations are handled by journalists from L’Équipe and France Football. They select 30 male players, 20 female players, and 10 each for the Yashin and Kopa lists. From there, the jury makes the final choice.

Criteria Used to Decide the 2025 Ballon d’Or

Since 2022, the award no longer covers a full calendar year. It now honors performances over one season, from July 1 to June 30. For the 2025 edition, that means results from July 2023 to June 2024.

Voters must follow three main rules. First, they consider individual performance — goals, assists, and influence on the game. Second, they weigh team success — league titles, international cups, and decisive roles. Third, they judge fair play and public image, both on and off the pitch.

This means the Ballon d’Or is more than statistics. It rewards leadership, discipline, and class. A player must prove themselves across all fronts to win.

Why These Rules Matter for Football

The changes aim to make the Ballon d’Or more modern and fair. Limiting voting nations to the top FIFA rankings avoids bias and focuses on competitive football regions. Shifting to a season-based system ensures awards reflect actual campaigns, not mixed years.

This year, the men’s trophy is still held by Rodri of Spain. The women’s title belongs to Aitana Bonmatí. Both showed consistency, leadership, and decisive play. The new winner will join this list of icons and carry football’s highest honor.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or is more than an award. It is a reflection of skill, teamwork, and values that define football.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: How is the 2025 Ballon d’Or decided?

The award is decided by 100 journalists from FIFA’s top 100 countries. They vote on male players and the Yashin Trophy. Past winners vote for the Kopa Trophy.

Q2: What are the main criteria for winning?

Performance, team success, and fair play are the three pillars. Goals, titles, and image all count toward the final choice.

Q3: What period does the 2025 Ballon d’Or cover?

The award covers the season from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. It no longer follows the calendar year.

Q4: Who holds the current Ballon d’Or titles?

Rodri of Spain holds the men’s trophy. Aitana Bonmatí of Spain holds the women’s award.

Q5: Who chooses the nominees?

Editors from L’Équipe and France Football select the official nominees. They shortlist players for each category before voting begins.

References

Reuters. (2025, September). Ballon d’Or 2025 rules and voting explained.
Associated Press. (2025, September). France Football outlines criteria for annual awards.
BBC Sport. (2024, October). Ballon d’Or winners and voting process changes.
France Football. (2025). Official Ballon d’Or guidelines and selection process.