It’s official, the Ballon d’Or 2025 creates a surprise!

The Ballon d’Or 2025 has officially set its date, and football fans around the world are buzzing with excitement. L’Équipe announced on Monday afternoon that the prestigious ceremony will take place on September 22 at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This marks a significant shift from previous years, as the event has traditionally been held in October.

One of the most notable changes in this year’s edition is the addition of three new women’s trophies. These accolades will complement the existing honors, which include the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player, the Yachine Trophy for the best goalkeeper, the Gerd Müller Trophy for the top scorer, and the Cruyff Trophy for the best coach. Now, women’s versions of the Yachine, Gerd Müller, and Cruyff Trophies will also be awarded, reflecting a more inclusive approach to celebrating football excellence.

The list of nominees, both men and women, is set to be unveiled in the first half of August, with the announcement expected to be broadcast live on the L’Equipe channel. One intriguing aspect of this year’s criteria is the inclusion of performances from the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. This change could benefit players like Kylian Mbappé, despite his absence from the Champions League final, as performances in this tournament will carry significant weight in the selection process.

The method for selecting the winners remains unchanged. France Football will compile a list of 30 nominees, and a jury of 100 international journalists, each representing a country from the top 100 FIFA rankings, will vote. Each journalist will submit their top 10 choices, assigning points according to the rankings.

The three main selection criteria also stay consistent: individual performance and decisiveness, collective success and titles won, and overall class and fair play. These criteria have sparked debates, especially concerning younger talents like Lamine Yamal, whose breakthrough performances have positioned him as a potential candidate, compared to more established stars like Ousmane Dembélé.

The announcement of the new trophies marks a progressive step for the Ballon d’Or, which has often been critiqued for not adequately recognizing female footballers. By introducing the women’s versions of the existing awards, the organizers are taking a more balanced approach to honor both male and female talents on the global stage.

Football experts and fans alike are curious to see how these new changes will impact the competition. The inclusion of Club World Cup performances could shake up the usual expectations, allowing players who shone in the tournament to receive more recognition than in past years. As the date draws nearer, predictions and discussions around potential winners are heating up.

Social media has been flooded with opinions since the announcement, with some fans celebrating the increased recognition for women’s football, while others debate whether the expanded criteria will lead to fairer or more controversial results. Regardless, one thing is certain: the 2025 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be a landmark edition.

Real Madrid’s Luka Modrić, now approaching 40, has been a subject of debate, as his influence at the club remains significant despite limited playing time. If Modrić manages to secure a spot among the nominees, it would mark a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.

With just a few months to go before the ceremony, players and fans alike are eagerly waiting to see who will take home football’s most coveted individual honors. Whether familiar faces or rising stars claim the trophies, the Ballon d’Or 2025 promises to deliver an evening of surprises and celebrations.