Each year, the Golden Ball ceremony crystallizes all attentions and arouses countless debates. This season, the wait is all the more strong as it follows a particularly controversial edition: Rodri's victory, haloed by controversies, had made teeth to Madrid where Vinicius, beaten by the number of votes, had even chosen to boycott the evening. The eyes are therefore turned towards the next edition, with the question that everyone is asking: what date will world football will know its new king?
A racing at the Golden Ballon more indecisive than ever
The secret was finally lifted by France Football and UEFA: it was on September 22, 2025 that the football planet will meet, on the stage of the Châtelet Theater in Paris, to discover the identity of the successor of Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí. The ceremony promises a show that lives up to its prestige, with the delivery of 13 trophies: male and female golden ball, Kopa trophy for young people, Yachine trophy for guards, Gerd Müller trophy for the best scorers, distinctions for the best clubs, coaches and the Sócrates prize, rewarding the solidarity commitment.
After the UNFP trophy, Ousmane Dembélé may go get the Ballon d'Or.
At this point, the battle for the coronation promises to be fierce. If the season is coming to an end, there are still major meetings: Champions League finals, Europa League and Club World Cup could tip the scales. On the Barça side, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha or Pedri dream of succeeding Rodri. PSG is not to be outdone with Ousmane Dembélé: if he offers the C1 in Paris, he could become the sixth French to lift the trophy. Kylian Mbappé, despite his status as Pichichi, seems to be behind this year but remains a credible pretender at the top 10.
Controversies and new pressure on favorites
Rodri's precedent left traces, especially after the remarkable absence of Vinicius at the ceremony. This year, observers will watch out for each reaction of the contenders, while the criteria of the vote often remain subject to debate. The jurors will stop voting only at the end of the major summer competitions, leaving the uncertainty to hover until the last moment on the name of the winner.
More than a simple trophy, the Ballon d'Or crystallizes passions and writes the history of football. Appointment is therefore made in Paris, where the football planet retains its breath. It remains to be seen whether the evening will be under the sign of controversy, consensus … or a total surprise.
