With excitement mounting for football’s most coveted individual accolade, UEFA has introduced updated voting guidelines for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

This year’s ceremony is set for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, an earlier-than-usual date that reflects the heightened anticipation surrounding what many expect to be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory.

As key competitions—including the UEFA Champions League final, Nations League, and Club World Cup—are yet to conclude, the race remains wide open with no definitive favourite in sight.

UEFA noted that the aim is to “crown the best footballer of the year based on true merit,” with less emphasis on lifetime achievements that may skew judgment.

According to L’Équipe, the updated Ballon d’Or criteria will now be based on three core pillars:

Individual Performances – assessing a player's brilliance, impact, and consistency on the field.

Collective Achievements – recognizing team success, including club and national titles.

Sportsmanship and Fair Play – rewarding players who uphold integrity and embody the true spirit of the game.

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or remains wide open. Last year’s winner, Rodri, edged out Vinicius Jr., largely thanks to his standout performances for Manchester City and Spain, despite Real Madrid’s early Champions League exit.

With the Nations League approaching, national teams like Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany are poised to heavily influence this year’s final voting outcomes.

However, contenders such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Pedri—key Barcelona players not featuring in the Nations League or Club World Cup—may see their chances diminished.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, though trophyless in his first season with Real Madrid, remains a leading candidate. His pursuit of the Golden Boot and participation in upcoming international tournaments could significantly enhance his case.

In a progressive move, UEFA has confirmed that all men’s award categories will now have female counterparts, underscoring its growing commitment to gender equality in football accolades.