In the glittering world of professional football, few accolades shine as brightly as the Ballon d'Or. This golden orb, bestowed annually upon the planet's most exceptional players, has long served as the ultimate barometer of individual brilliance, team triumph, and the intangible grace that elevates the sport beyond mere athleticism. As the calendar flips to 2025, the organizers of this prestigious award—France Football in collaboration with UEFA—have stepped into the spotlight with a transparent revelation: the three pivotal criteria that will crown the winners of the men's and women's editions. This announcement isn't just procedural housekeeping; it's a manifesto for what football's pinnacle should represent in an era dominated by data analytics, viral highlight reels, and endless punditry debates. With the ceremony set for tonight, Monday, September 22, 2025, in the heart of Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the footballing universe is abuzz. Let's dive deep into these criteria, dissect the star-studded nominee lists, and explore the narratives, histories, and potential storylines that could define this year's Ballon d'Or.
The First Criterion: Individual Performances – The Spotlight on Solo Brilliance
At the core of the Ballon d'Or's ethos lies the celebration of the individual, that rare athlete who can bend the arc of a match with a single touch, a burst of speed, or a moment of audacious genius. For 2025, the organizers have emphasized that the primary criterion will zero in on individual performances throughout the season, with a laser focus on those "decisive and impressive displays in crucial moments." This isn't about racking up arbitrary stats like goals or assists in isolation; it's about the player who steps up when the stakes are stratospheric—think last-minute equalizers in Champions League knockouts, hat-tricks that dismantle defenses in title-deciding derbies, or that one visionary pass that ignites a World Cup semifinal.
To appreciate this criterion's weight, consider the Ballon d'Or's storied past. Lionel Messi's record eight wins weren't just tallies of La Liga dominance; they were symphonies of clutch performances, from his 2012 semi-final solo run against Chelsea to his 2022 World Cup final masterclass. Cristiano Ronaldo's five trophies echoed similar feats, like his 2014 hat-trick against Atlético Madrid to secure the Champions League. In 2025, this lens will scrutinize players who've turned pressure into poetry. Take Erling Haaland, the Manchester City colossus, whose predatory instincts have netted him over 40 goals in the Premier League alone this season. His decisive strikes in the FA Cup final or against Arsenal in a title-clinching thriller? Pure Ballon d'Or fodder. Or Kylian Mbappé, now the talisman of Real Madrid, whose blistering pace and composure in El Clásico shootouts could echo his 2018 World Cup heroics.
But it's not all about forwards. Midfield maestros like Jude Bellingham, the 22-year-old Englishman who's transformed Real Madrid's engine room, embody this criterion too. Bellingham's goal-scoring surges from deep—scoring in seven consecutive La Liga games—aren't flukes; they're the kind of "crucial moments" that shift narratives. Similarly, in the women's game, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona has been a metronome of individual excellence, her vision and tenacity in the UEFA Women's Champions League final dismantling defenses with surgical precision. These performances aren't just highlights; they're the threads that weave personal legacy into football folklore.
This focus on individuality also invites scrutiny of consistency. The Ballon d'Or calendar spans from August 2024 to July 2025, capturing a full cycle of club and international duties. Voters—journalists from FIFA's 100 top nations—will pore over dossiers of moments: Vinícius Júnior's dribble-infused wizardry in Madrid's treble push, or Mohamed Salah's relentless output in Liverpool's Europa League charge. Yet, as the organizers note, it's the "impressive" quality that elevates—raw talent amplified by context, like Lamine Yamal's precocious stunner for Spain in Euro 2024 qualifiers. In a post-Messi/Ronaldo landscape, this criterion democratizes the award, spotlighting emerging icons who thrive under the brightest lights.
The Second Criterion: Team Performances and Collective Achievements – The Power of the Pack
Football, at its soul, is a team sport, and the Ballon d'Or has always danced on the tightrope between solo stardom and squad synergy. The second criterion underscores this balance, evaluating "team performances and collective achievements," with rewards for players who've been the linchpin in their club's or national team's major conquests. Here, the award isn't a solo trophy; it's a nod to the player who elevates the collective, turning good teams into great ones and great ones into legends. Success in competitions like the Champions League, Premier League, La Liga, or international tournaments like the Euros and World Cup qualifiers will weigh heavily, as voters assess contributions to silverware.
This criterion harks back to the award's evolution. In the 1950s, Alfredo Di Stéfano's Real Madrid dynasty defined it—his Ballon d'Ors came bundled with five straight European Cups. Fast-forward to 2025, and the nominees reflect a season of seismic shifts. Real Madrid's pursuit of a domestic double, bolstered by Bellingham's midfield mastery and Mbappé's integration, positions them as frontrunners. Bellingham's role in Madrid's La Liga triumph—scoring 23 goals while dictating tempo—mirrors how Rodri's 2024 win was tied to Manchester City's haul. Across the Atlantic, Inter Milan's Serie A crown, powered by Lautaro Martínez's 28-goal haul, screams collective impact. Martínez, the Argentine World Cup winner, has been Inter's heartbeat, his poaching and pressing integral to their defensive solidity.
In the Premier League, Arsenal's resurgence under Mikel Arteta, with Declan Rice anchoring the midfield and Bukayo Saka (wait, Saka's not nominated? A snub that stings) sidelined by injury, highlights players like Rice, whose interceptions and surges were pivotal in a potential title tilt. But it's Manchester City's Haaland who looms large, his goals the spearhead of a team that clinched yet another Premier League crown. Internationally, Spain's Euro 2024 victory—led by the teenage Yamal's assist-laden flair—bolsters cases for Pedri and Fabián Ruiz, whose control in the engine room was Spain's secret sauce.
Shifting to the women's nominees, this criterion amplifies the dominance of Barcelona Femení, who've swept the Liga F and Women's Champions League. Bonmatí, the reigning queen, orchestrated their treble with 15 goals and 20 assists, her interplay with Alexia Putellas and Clàudia Pina a masterclass in collective brilliance. Patri Guijarro's box-to-box energy and Caroline Graham Hansen's wing wizardry further embody this—Hansen's curling crosses in the Champions League final were the difference-makers. Meanwhile, England's Leah Williamson, captaining the Lionesses to Women's Nations League glory, showcases national team heft, her leadership in a penalty shootout thriller against France underscoring the "major competitions" clause.
Critics might argue this criterion favors winners over warriors—why nominate a player from a mid-table side when a treble hero dazzles? Yet, the organizers' intent is clear: the Ballon d'Or honors those who "made significant contributions" to success, not just participation. It's why Virgil van Dijk's defensive masterclasses for Liverpool, thwarting attacks in Champions League ties, or Serhou Guirassy's goal rush for Stuttgart's Bundesliga surprise package, get airtime. In 2025, with no World Cup, club achievements dominate, but Euro 2024 and Copa América ripples—think Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's Georgian heroics—add international flavor. This pillar ensures the award reflects football's communal heartbeat, where no man (or woman) is an island.
The Third Criterion: Class and Fair Play – The Soul of the Game
In an age of VAR controversies, diving scandals, and off-pitch drama, the Ballon d'Or's third criterion arrives like a breath of fresh air: "class and fair play." The organizers stress that this isn't a tiebreaker—it's foundational. The award celebrates players who "uphold the spirit of the game both on and off the pitch," blending on-field integrity with off-field exemplars of sportsmanship, humility, and societal impact. It's a reminder that statistics dazzle, but character endures.
This dimension isn't new but feels prescient in 2025. Past winners like Andrés Iniesta, whose graciousness defined his 2010 triumph, or Megan Rapinoe's advocacy-fueled 2019 win, illustrate it. Voters will weigh disciplinary records—no red cards for needless fouls—against gestures like consoling opponents or community work. For the men's list, Pedri's gentle demeanor amid Barcelona's turmoil stands out; the 22-year-old's clean sheet of bookings and his mentorship of Yamal scream class. Contrast with past controversies: Vinícius Júnior, a goal machine, has faced racism but responded with eloquence, his anti-discrimination campaigns off-pitch elevating his case.
Robert Lewandowski, at 37, embodies veteran poise—his Bayern goals come with zero-nonsense professionalism, and his post-match respect for rivals is legendary. Harry Kane, Tottenham's one-club man turned Bayern Bayern star, has shed his "nearly man" tag with a Bundesliga title, his fair play evident in never moaning to refs. In the women's sphere, Lucy Bronze's leadership for England and Barcelona—captaining with empathy, no dives—pairs with her charitable foundations. Alexia Putellas, back from ACL hell, inspires with resilience, her speeches on equality resonating globally. Pernille Harder, Wolfsburg's talisman, mixes predatory finishing with advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, her fair play unblemished.
This criterion humanizes the award, countering football's cynicism. It rewards those who play with joy—Florian Wirtz's Bayer Leverkusen smile after a nutmeg, or Ewa Pajor's Wolfsburg humility post-hat-trick. As co-organizer UEFA, fresh from its own fair play initiatives, integrates this, it signals a shift: the Ballon d'Or as moral compass, not just stat sheet.
Spotlight on the Men's Nominees: A Galaxy of Talent
The 2025 men's shortlist is a 30-strong tapestry of eras, nations, and styles— from grizzled goal-getters to prodigious phenoms. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England) tops many previews, his 25 goals and 12 assists in La Liga, plus Euro 2024 midfield dominance, ticking all boxes. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/France), once a wonderkid, has matured into a dribble dynamo, his 18 goals in Ligue 1 and Champions League cameos showcasing renewed class.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy) is the rare keeper contender, his Euro 2024 penalty saves and clean sheets a nod to guardians of glory. Désiré Doué (PSG/France), the 19-year-old winger, burst with 10 goals in his debut season, his flair evoking Mbappé-lite. Denzel Dumfries (Inter/Netherlands), the rampaging right-back, scored crucial headers in Inter's Scudetto and Euros.
Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart/Guinea) exploded with 28 Bundesliga goals, dragging Stuttgart to Europe—pure individual impact. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP/Sweden), the Swedish sledgehammer, netted 43 across all comps, his Sporting title haul immense. Erling Haaland (Man City/Norway) needs no intro: 52 goals, Premier League golden boot, City's domestic treble.
Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco), the speedster full-back, terrorized flanks in PSG's cup runs. Harry Kane (Bayern/Germany), 36 goals in Bundesliga, ended his trophy drought. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli/Georgia), "Kvaradona," dazzled with 15 goals and Euro upsets.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona/Poland), ageless at 35 goals. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/Argentina), World Cup winner's vision shone in Anfield rebuild. Lautaro Martínez (Inter/Argentina), 24 goals for Serie A glory.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/France), 44 goals in his Madrid bow, El Clásico deciders his stage. Scott McTominay (Man Utd/Scotland), surprise package with 10 goals from midfield. Nuno Mendes (PSG/Portugal), defensive rock with attacking zip.
João Neves (PSG/Portugal), 20-year-old regista, commands midfields. Michael Olise (Bayern/Germany), post-Crystal Palace, 12 goals in Bundesliga transition. Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England), 25 goals in Blues' revival.
Pedri (Barcelona/Spain), injury-proofed elegance in Euro win. Raphinha (Barcelona/Brazil), 20 goals, Barca's right-wing revelation. Declan Rice (Arsenal/England), midfield colossus in Gunners' charge.
Fabián Ruiz (PSG/Spain), Euro metronome. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt), 25 goals, Europa hero. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands), defensive titan.
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid/Brazil), 24 goals, dribble king in trebles. Vitinha (PSG/Portugal), subtle controller. Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen/Germany), creative spark in unbeaten run. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain), 17-year-old Euro sensation with 10 goals.
Spotlight on the Women's Nominees: Trailblazers and Titans
The women's list, equally formidable at 30, pulses with innovation and grit. Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea/France), versatile forward in Blues' WSL push. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride/Zambia), NWSL star with 10 goals.
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain), incumbent, 20 goals in treble. Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/England), defensive stalwart. Klara Bühl (Barcelona/Germany), speedy winger.
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain), post-Barca, 12 Arsenal goals. Sofia Cantore (Juventus/Italy), Serie A top scorer. Steph Catley (Arsenal/Australia), left-back artistry.
Temwa Chawinga (Lyon/Malawi), 25 goals in French dominance. Melchie Dumornay (Lyon/Haiti), midfield dynamo. Emily Fox (Arsenal/USA), full-back bite.
Cristiana Girelli (Juventus/Italy), veteran poacher. Esther González (Barcelona/Spain), aerial threat. Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona/Norway), world-class winger.
Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain), box-to-box beast. Amanda Gutierres (Corinthians/Brazil), South American flair. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England), keeper clean sheets.
Pernille Harder (Bayern/Denmark), goal machine. Lindsey Heaps (Angel City/USA), emerging talent. Chloe Kelly (Man City/England), clutch finisher.
Frida Maanum (Arsenal/Norway), creative spark. Marta (Orlando Pride/Brazil), legend's swan song. Clara Mateo (Real Madrid/Spain), rising star.
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona/Poland), ex-Wolfsburg, 18 goals. Clàudia Pina (Barcelona/Spain), technical wizard. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain), comeback queen.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal/England), 15 WSL goals. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea/Sweden), versatile ace. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid/Scotland), midfield silk. Leah Williamson (Arsenal/England), captain's class.
The Ceremony Tonight: Paris Awaits, Narratives Collide
As dusk falls on Paris, the Théâtre du Châtelet transforms into football's Oscars. Hosted by UEFA and France Football, expect glitz: live performances, trophy reveals, and perhaps a Messi cameo. Debates rage—will Bellingham edge Mbappé? Bonmatí repeat? The criteria promise fairness, but passion fuels the fire.
This Ballon d'Or isn't just an award; it's a mirror to 2025's game—diverse, dynamic, demanding. From Haaland's hauls to Yamal's youth, it honors evolution. As votes lock (top three revealed live), one truth endures: the golden ball gleams brightest when earned through performance, partnership, and purity.
