: Ballon d’Or Criteria for 2025 — What Matters Most
The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, has updated its criteria for 2025, aiming to more clearly define what makes a player truly great over a calendar year. The focus remains on excellence on the pitch, but the new emphasis provides insight into how voters will measure greatness. Here’s what’s new and what it means:
1. Individual Performances, Decisiveness, and Influence
At the heart of the Ballon d’Or remains the player’s individual brilliance. But now, it’s not just about statistics. This year, voters are asked to pay close attention to decisive moments — those game-changing plays that separate legends from stars. Influence is also key: how much a player leads, inspires, and shapes the game, especially under pressure, will weigh heavily.
2. Collective Success and Titles Achieved
Football is a team sport, and this criterion underscores that. Players who shine and lift trophies will be favored. Whether it’s league titles, Champions League victories, or international triumphs, team success enhances a candidate’s standing. It’s not just about scoring — it’s about contributing to winning campaigns at the highest level.
3. Sportsmanship and Fair Play
This year introduces a powerful shift: character counts. Respect for the game, opponents, officials, and teammates now officially factor into the vote. Moments of honesty, leadership, and restraint under pressure may help separate top contenders. In a time where behavior on and off the pitch is scrutinized, this shows that class goes beyond goals and assists.
Final Thoughts
These updated criteria aim to reward a complete footballer — someone who dominates games, uplifts teams, and represents the sport with integrity. As the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or heats up, fans and analysts alike will now watch not just for brilliance, but for leadership, humility, and fair play as we
