Sele Media Africa Reported by Mafeng Gyang Adams
Understanding the Ballon d’Or:
What Truly Decides the World’s Top Football Award As anticipation builds for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, fans and analysts across the globe are revisiting the key criteria that determine the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award. According to France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or, the award is not solely based on goal counts or popularity. Instead, it hinges on three primary criteria that aim to reflect not just greatness, but sportsmanship and collective contribution.
The Three Core Criteria for the Ballon d’Or
1.Individual Performances (Decisive and Impressive Impact) – Voters assess how consistently a player delivers match-winning performances across the season in both club and international competitions. This includes goals, assists, leadership, and influence during big games.
2.Team Performances and Achievements – Success with club and country plays a vital role. Winning major titles such as the UEFA Champions League, domestic leagues, continental cups, or the FIFA World Cup boosts a player’s chances significantly.
3.Class and Fair Play – The award also considers a player’s attitude, sportsmanship, and professionalism. Off-field behavior and on-pitch discipline matter, especially when candidates are closely matched in performance.
Who Votes?
A panel of journalists from 100 countries, each representing a FIFA-ranked nation, casts a vote for their top five choices. National coaches and team captains are no longer part of the voting process, a change made in recent years to reduce bias. Each journalist’s ranking contributes points (6 for 1st place, 4 for 2nd, etc.), and the player with the highest total wins.
The Ballon d’Or has been awarded since 1956, with past winners including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Zinedine Zidane, and more. Beyond prestige, it shapes legacies, endorsement deals, and debates for generations.With these three criteria as the compass, the award continues to distinguish not just who is great — but who is greatest with grace.
Stay tuned to Sele Media Africa for Ballon d’Or 2025 updates, shortlist analysis, and winner coverage.
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