Ballon d'Or 2025 – What to Expect and Who’s in the Running
The Ballon d'Or always sparks debate. Every year fans argue over who deserves the golden trophy, and 2025 is no different. With a fresh season of goals, assists, and dramatic moments, the shortlist is shaping up fast. Below you’ll find the key factors that decide the winner, the early favorites, and how you can follow the voting.
How the Ballon d'Or is Decided
First things first – the award isn’t just about scoring the most goals. A panel of journalists, national team coaches, and captains all get a vote. Each voter picks their top five players, ranking them from first to fifth. Points are assigned (6 for first, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, 1 for fifth) and the totals decide the winner. That means consistency across league, cup, and international play matters a lot.
Another important piece is the timing. The voting window closes in early October, so performances after the World Cup or major tournaments can swing the odds dramatically. If a player shines in a late‑season Champions League run, that boost can override a slower start.
Early 2025 Favorites
While it’s still early, a few names keep popping up in fan polls and expert columns:
- Kylian Mbappé – The French star has finally added a Champions League title to his résumé and is putting up another 30‑plus‑goal season.
- Erling Haaland – Norway’s powerhouse continues to break scoring records in the Premier League, and his team is deep in the Europa League.
- Lionel Messi – Even at 38, Messi’s influence on the pitch and his recent Copa America triumph keep him in the conversation.
- Kevin De Bruyne – The Manchester City engine is delivering assists at a record rate, and City’s domestic dominance is a strong talking point.
- Jude Bellingham – The English midfielder has taken the reins at Real Madrid, guiding them to a league title and a solid Champions League showing.
Don’t forget the dark horses. Players who explode in the World Cup knockout stage or lead a surprise run in a lesser‑known league can shock the panel. Keep an eye on rising talents from the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 – they’ve surprised before.
What makes a nominee stand out isn’t only raw stats. Leadership, clutch moments, and impact on team success all weigh in. A player who scores the winning goal in a final often gets extra points in the minds of voters.
For Sefton Liverpool Hockey Hub readers, the Ballon d'Or story offers a great example of how individual brilliance blends with team effort – the same principle we see on the hockey rink.
Want to stay updated? Follow the official Ballon d'Or social channels, check out the weekly "Top 10" videos, and join discussion threads on sports forums. The hype builds each week, and the final ballot is usually announced a few days before the ceremony, giving you a chance to make your own predictions.
In short, the 2025 Ballon d'Or will be decided by a mix of season‑long performance, big‑stage moments, and a little bit of voter sentiment. Whether you back the seasoned legends or the breakout stars, the excitement is part of what makes football so addictive. Keep watching, keep debating, and enjoy the show when the golden ball finally lands in someone’s hands.
