How is the Ballon d'Or winner decided?
The Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual prize in football, is awarded annually by France Football magazine to the player perceived to be the best in the world.The winner is chosen through a dual system of voting. Firstly, journalists from France Football and fellow French publication L'Equipe work together to produce a combined list of 30 official nominees, based on players' performances in the previous season. This initial selection process sometimes also includes a small number of former players.Then, one football journalist from each of the top 100 Fifa-ranked nations is invited to cast votes for their top 10 players in order from that shortlist. The 10 players are awarded 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point based on ranking.Once all journalists have submitted their top 10s, points are tallied and the winner of the Ballon d'Or is the player who accrued the most points in the voting, while the rest are ranked from second to 30th.If players are tied on points, they are separated by the number of first place votes they received. If they are still level, the number of second place votes are used, and so on.Journalists taking part in the vote are encouraged to consider three factors:Individual performances, decisive and impressive characterTeam performances and achievementsClass and fair play
Has the Ballon d'Or ever worked in a different way?
The way in which the Ballon d'Or is awarded has changed significantly since it was first created in 1956.Until 1995, only European footballers were eligible for the award. Then, for the next 12 years, players of any origin playing for a club in Europe were eligible. Only from 2007 onwards have all players worldwide been included.Between 2007 and 2015, the captain and manager of each Fifa-recognised international team was invited to participate in the final vote, but both prior to that period and since then, only journalists have contributed.From 2010 to 2015, Fifa collaborated with France Football on the award, which was known as the Fifa Ballon d'Or.Fifa now give out their own separate prize, called the Fifa Best player award, but its lack of long-term history means the Ballon d'Or is generally considered more prestigious.Prior to 2022, voting was based on a player's performances over the course of a calendar year – comprising half of two separate seasons in most elite leagues – before being changed to encompass a single full season.
What about the women's Ballon d'Or?
The women's award, known as the Ballon d'or Feminine, was first created in 2018.It has been won twice by Spain internationals Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, as well as once each by Norway's Ada Hegerbeg and the USA's Megan Rapinoe.There is a slight nuance in the way the women's award is voted for - the same system of pre-selection followed by a jury of journalists is used, but only 50 journalists from the top-ranked nations are invited to take part, rather than 100.
Who has won the most Ballon d'Or trophies?
Having taken home the trophy eight times, Lionel Messi has won more the Ballon d'Or more often than any other player.Perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo is second with five titles, while Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten won three each.Alfredo di Stefano, Franz Beckenbauer, Kevin Keegan, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ronaldo Nazario – each with two - are the only others to have won the men's Ballon d'Or more than once.
Why is the Ballon d'Or sometimes criticised?
The awarding of the Ballon d'Or sometimes draws criticism from fans and pundits.In the past, complaints have focused on the fact that the award has historically favoured attacking midfielders and forwards over more defensive players. Only two centre-backs (Beckenbauer and Fabio Cannavaro) and one goalkeeper (Lev Yashin) have ever won the award.The jury's tendency to vote for players whose teams have won the biggest prizes in the game that year, like the World Cup and Champions League, has also caused controversy in the past. Some believe collective achievement should not impact voting, and that a player who has performed highly as an individual should not miss out because his team was less successful.Furthermore, the fact that the main award is voted form by journalists, rather than players, coaches, or ex-professionals, has occasionally led to criticism.Finally, for some fans, the concept of an individual award in a team sport renders the Ballon d'Or unimportant.
When will the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner be announced?
The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on 22 September 2025 during a ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in central Paris.A variety of other awards are given out during the ceremony, including:The Kopa Trophy - awarded to the best player below the age of 2021, voting for this award is performed by previous Ballon d'Or winners based on a shortlist of 10.The Yashin Trophy – awarded to the best goalkeeper, voting for this award is performed by journalists based on a shortlist of 10.The Coach of the Year trophy - awarded to the best manager, voting for this award is performed by journalists based on a shortlist.The Club of the Year trophy - awarded to the best team, voting for this award is performed by journalists based on a shortlist.
Who are the Ballon d'Or contenders in 2025?
The following players are considered among the main contenders for the 2025 men's Ballon d'Or, based on their performances since 1 August 2024 with one more international window of fixtures and the Club World Cup before 31 July 2025.Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain/France, forward, 28)Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy, goalkeeper, 26)Desire Doue (PSG/France, forward, 19)Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG/Georgia, forward, 24)Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France, forward, 26)Lautaro Martinez (Inter/Argentina, forward, 27)Pedri (Barcelona, midfielder, 22)Raphinha (Barcelona/Brazil, forward, 28)Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt, forward, 32)Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain, forward, 17)
What is Ask Me Anything?
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.The team explores everything you need to know and calls upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits.We answer your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and go behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting events.Our coverage spans the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio.
More questions answered...
Why are 1bn euro release clauses becoming more common?When are the 2025-26 Premier League fixtures released?Who has qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League?Why are footballers allowed to chew gum?How are football league positions decided if teams are level on points?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
10 minutes ago
- BBC News
TT fans tell of passion for racing 'fix' each year
Fans of the Isle of Man TT have told how they never miss the annual race spectacular in search of their "fix" of the "addictive" event each two-week festival, which sees racing on the 37.7-mile (61km) course of closed public roads, attracts thousands of visitors from across the them, Jon Stones from North Lincolnshire said: "You just cannot beat the screaming noise of those bikes going flat out - I need that fix every year".Having regularly visited the races with his wife since 2016, he continued: "We get the ferry over and when you spot the island in the distance we think 'here we go again' and you can't wait." Rachel Stones said: "It's not something thing that was in my blood until I came with my husband, but now I wouldn't swap it."You can't describe it to people who have never been, it is just so addictive." Curt Chapman from Reno, Nevada, visited in 2017 and said "I knew I had to get back at some point" because it was "such an amazing experience".It had been the "easiest sell ever" to encourage his friends to join him to witness the "spectacle" up close in 2015, he said. The biker said a group of 15 had travelled separately from the USA, Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Germany to meet up on the island and "enjoy the most amazing event the exists in the motorcycle world"."It's such an absurd event, its so ridiculous racing on public roads, I just love that part of it," he said."I admire this whole event and the people that dare to do it." Despite delays and schedule changes, Dinny Collins from Dublin said the racing had so far had been "class" with Michael Dunlop getting his 30th TT win on Monday being a highlight."I'm fan of all the riders, I'd like to see Dean Harrison win again and Dunlop to win heaps more," he been "into bikes his whole life", he said he finally managed to make it to the races in 2023."The atmosphere and the excitement is awesome, so now we'll have to come back every year," he added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Reuters
15 minutes ago
- Reuters
Sheffield Wednesday charged by EFL over failure to pay wages on time
June 4 (Reuters) - The English Football League (EFL) has charged Sheffield Wednesday with multiple breaches of regulations after the second-tier club failed to pay players' wages on time. The club had already been placed under registration embargoes in the last two seasons having received a six-point deduction during the 2020-21 season for breaching profit and sustainability rules. "The owner of Sheffield Wednesday, Dejphon Chansiri, has also been charged with causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations despite his commitment to fund the cash requirements of the club," the EFL said in a statement on Tuesday. "All charges relate to both the Ultimate Beneficial Owner and the club failing to meet their obligations to pay players' wages on time and in full in March and May 2025." Thai businessman Chansiri, who took over Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, had acknowledged the charges and apologised to everyone connected with the club, the team said. "The club continue to seek a resolution regarding outstanding salaries due for the month of May at the earliest possible opportunity," it added. The club and Chansiri have 14 days to respond to the charges. Sheffield Wednesday finished 12th in the Championship in the recently-concluded season.
Times
16 minutes ago
- Times
10 of the best Airbnbs in Rome
When it comes to operatic splendour, few places can compete with storied, sensual Rome. With its piazzas and priceless ruins casually crumbling on street corners, the Centro Storico (historic centre) stretches for nearly nine miles between the 3rd-century Aurelian Walls and the Janiculum Walls. It's essentially a triangle with Piazza del Popolo in the north, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to the east, and the Pantheon and Piazza Navona to the west. Featuring about 25,000 archaeological and historic sites, the Centro Storico is the place to stay if you're a first-time visitor. Of course, most other tourists also have the same idea, and the areas around Piazza del Popolo, Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona can be heaving — but it is magical to step out of your front door into the heart of the action. Although still in the Centro Storico, more residential areas such as Monti, Trastevere and Prati are within about 30 minutes' walk from the major sites, but have a far more Roman feel. Meanwhile, up-and-coming Pigneto is about three miles away — and is arguably the cooler and better-value option for return travellers. The city's hotel scene has matured magnificently since F Scott Fitzgerald's flea-ridden stay at the Grand in the 1920s, as described in his essay collection The Crack-Up. However, given that it attracts more than 30 million tourists every year, the chance to feel like you live in Rome — no matter how briefly — is intoxicating. Aside from being more affordable than hotels in the Centro Storico, private rentals also offer the opportunity to have a privileged glimpse of life as a local. Whether you seek a bibliophile's bolt hole or a penthouse for aperitivo soirées, here's where to call home in the Eternal City. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | SLEEPS 4 | Best for bibliophiles If you dream of moving to Rome to write a novel, this is the apartment in which to do it. In a low-slung, ochre-painted building on a quiet street in Trastevere, it is brimming with character and books. Aside from a large wooden wardrobe, the master bedroom is elegantly pared back — but the study, which contains a sofa bed, is covered with leather-bound volumes from floor to wonky wooden ceiling. All of the rooms have air conditioning, but this spot is best suited to the shoulder or winter season when you can eat tortellini in meat broth and then curl up on the sofa and set to work on your masterpiece — or read one that's already there. • Read our full guide to Rome £ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for value for location In the former stable blocks of Palazzo Lancellotti, this studio is owned by the Lancellotti family, who also own the quiet piazza itself — and its ancient olive tree, which the apartment overlooks. Although small, its vaulted ceilings, mezzanine bed and intricately patterned floor — made with antique marble from imperial Rome — create a sense of refinement that's rare at this price point. Ponte is in the heart of the Centro Storico, mere minutes from the likes of Piazza Navona, the Vatican and the Pantheon, yet it retains an upscale local feel. You might see high-heeled women shopping for designer handbags (and making light work of those cobbles), and convivial groups lunching outside smart trattorias. • Discover our full guide to Italy £ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for aesthetes As this list demonstrates, it's not difficult to find aesthetically pleasing apartments in Rome. But if you crave exquisite architectural details, look no further than this one-bedroom haven, which has high ceilings with coffers, gilt chandeliers and hand-painted frescoes. This patrician building hails from the 16th century, and has an internal courtyard where vines trail from stone balustrade staircases: it's easy to picture horse-drawn chariots rattling through the arched gateway. All of the major sights of Rome's historic centre are walkable, while Campo dei Fiori's many restaurants are just across the square. ££ | SLEEPS 5 | Best for location A few steps from the Roman Forum and Colosseum, this bright apartment is ideal for first-time visitors. It's in a fully refurbished building and features a bath, laundry facilities and a spacious open-plan living area. Although much of the furniture is mid-century, a few well-chosen antiques and a balcony with table and chairs nod to Rome's ever-present past. There are two double bedrooms including one with a mezzanine floor mattress, so it's a good option for families too. The parks of Villa Celimontana and Colle Oppio provide respite from the busy avenues, while Monti's characterful backstreets beckon just outside your front door. £££ | SLEEPS 12 | Best for intergenerational groups A penthouse with an enormous roof terrace overlooking St Peter's Basilica, this address carries a hefty price tag — and the style, space and privacy to match. With five bedrooms spread over two floors and four bathrooms, it's possible to put all of the children on one level while the adults enjoy the calm upstairs, or to divide it into family groups. The owners have a penchant for jewellery-box colours and contemporary art, which creates a modish, joyful atmosphere, and there's also a gym, laptop-friendly desks and a long table for group meals. Known for its upscale restaurants and wide avenues (many created during Mussolini's reign in order to accommodate military processions), Prati is where Rome's successful older crowd live and dine. £ | SLEEPS 3 | Best for sophisticated couples In an 18th-century mansion with views of the Villa Borghese Gardens, this split-level loft has been furnished in a classical, cosmopolitan style. Polished floorboards, antiques and a working fireplace create a refined air, complemented by a small terrace in the eaves. It's on the edge of Piazza del Popolo, a grand square known for its twin baroque churches. The Spanish Steps lead up to the Hassler Bar, the spot for excellent dry martinis, while the Borghese Gardens contain neoclassical temples and fountains, as well as the illustrious Galleria Borghese. £ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for solo travellers With its sunny balcony and quirky pieces such as a record-shaped coffee table, this studio feels like the home of a trendy thirtysomething. It's a fair guess since it's in Pigneto, the coolest place to live for those in the know — though still considered the wrong side of the tracks by others. This once-gritty district was made famous in the Sixties by the filmmaker and philosopher Pier Paolo Pasolini, and its independent bars and cafés still attract beautiful people sporting statement sunglasses and mullet-inspired haircuts. Note, it's about three miles from the Centro Storico, so is more suited to returning visitors who've already had their fill of the main sights. ££ | SLEEPS 4 | Best for living like a local Aside from crooked beams and the odd antique rug, there's little furniture in this one-bedroom penthouse — but its pièce de résistance is a suntrap terrace just under the dome of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle, a few steps from Campo de Fiori's food markets. This is where you'll take morning cappuccino and afternoon espresso, the Roman way. The apartment sleeps four but with its well-appointed kitchen, workspace and bath, it's the perfect space for a couple to make-believe that they live in the Eternal City. £££ | SLEEPS 6 | Best for groups of friends This two-bedroom apartment is sufficiently pared back to suit everyone in the group's taste, yet rich in contemporary Italian style with wooden floors and modern black furnishings that pop against the white walls. It is located in Trastevere, the riverside district that embodies Rome's movida — its party scene. The botanical gardens and Basilica Di Santa Maria are a walk away, as is the Gianicolo viewpoint, from which it's possible to see all seven of the hills of Rome. The area's real appeal lies in its cobbled backstreets and bohemian institutions such as Bar San Calisto, where poets and politicians have mingled until the early hours since 1969. £ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for socialites Featuring an enormous roof terrace with panoramic views, wall art and stained glass doors, this apartment oozes erudite charm. It's such a snip because it doesn't technically have bedrooms; rather, a dining room and two living rooms with sofa beds. This is a space for night owls to invite friends back to for cacio e pepe after a day of vintage shopping and a night of bar hopping. Residential Monti is the equivalent of London's Stoke Newington. Come aperitivo hour, the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is a meeting point for well-dressed creatives sipping spritz, and it buzzes long into the evening with wine bars and pizza restaurants spilling out onto the streets. • Best luxury hotels in Rome• Best hotels in Rome
