If you’ve ever wondered who is officially called the world’s best footballer, the answer usually lies in the Ballon d'Or. It’s the trophy that separates the legends from the greats, and it’s decided each December by journalists, coaches and captains. In this guide we’ll break down how the award works, why fans care so much, and what the recent winners tell us about today’s game.
The voting process is simple but powerful. A shortlist of about 30 players is released, then each voter picks their top five. Points are given – 6 for first place, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth and 1 for fifth. The player with the most points takes home the golden ball. Because the panel includes people from all over the world, you get a mix of opinions that balances club success, individual stats and big‑game moments.
Looking at the last decade, the award has mostly bounced between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their duels kept the conversation alive and pushed both to keep breaking records. When a new name appears – like Luka Modrić in 2018 or Karim Benzema in 2022 – it proves the Ballon d'Or can still surprise. Those wins usually come after a season where the player lifted a major trophy and scored or created a lot of goals.
Why does it matter? For clubs, having a Ballon d'Or winner boosts brand value and attracts sponsors. For players, it’s a career milestone that can raise their market price and cement their legacy. Fans love the debate, especially on social media, where every goal and assist is weighed against the criteria of the award.
Even though some critics say the award is too focused on forwards, the voting panel has started to consider midfielders and defenders more seriously. The 2021 win by Robert Lewandowski, a striker, still sparked talks about how goal tallies influence votes, but the 2023 decision to award a defender would have shown a shift. Keep an eye on the shortlist each season – it often hints at which positions are finally getting recognition.
So, whether you’re a die‑hard supporter of Messi, a Ronaldo fan, or rooting for a dark‑horse like Erling Haaland, the Ballon d'Or remains the most talked‑about prize in football. It’s more than a shiny trophy; it’s a snapshot of who dominated the sport that year. Stay tuned every December to see who joins the elite list and how the conversation evolves around the beautiful game.
Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal tops the betting markets for the 2025 Ballon d'Or at +150, positioning himself as a potential record‑breaking winner. With 15 goals and 24 assists in 49 games, his breakout season fuels a fierce race that also features Mbappé, Palmer and Kvaratskhelia. The ceremony will unfold on September 22 in Paris, but odds will keep shifting as the campaign progresses.