The world of football retains its breath. This Thursday evening, France Football must unveil the long -awaited list of the 30 players appointed for the Golden Ball 2025. A solemn moment, the culmination of a season, which is supposed to be kept secret until the last moment. However, less than 24 hours from the deadline, the mystery already seems to have been outstanding. The name of a first player would have leaked in the press, breaking the suspense and asking serious questions about the control of the communication of the prestigious magazine.
Golden Ball: A hiccup that spoils the surprise
This first lucky elected representative would be, according to information from Daily Mailthe Naples midfielder, Scott Mctuminay. The Scottish, author of an exceptional season in Italy, would have been informed of his presence in the final list. If this appointment is not a surprise – he was voted best serial player A and carried his team to the title – the timing of the revelation is surprising to say the least. How could such confidential information have been in the media before the time?
This is not the first time that leaks have climbed the process of the Ballon d'Or. But this hiccup recalls that the list of 30 is not the fruit of a vote, but of a consensus, of a debate between the main editors of the magazine. A discussion which, obviously, has not remained completely hermetic. This incident is a bit annoying for an institution that aims to be the temple of secrecy and prestige.
The secret of the Ballon d'Or pierced 24 hours from the announcement?
A suspense list despite everything
Of course, the appointment of MCTOMINAY is widely deserved. But the fact that it is known in advance spoils the party a little. This also suggests that other names could emerge by this evening. We already know the favorites who, except earthquake, will be there: Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé or even Mohamed Salah are essential. The presence of MCTOMINAY confirms that club performance, even in a sometimes underestimated championship, weigh heavily in the scale.
In the end, this leak will not change the result. But it highlights a fault. For a trophy that lives from its aura and its mystery, seeing names escape before the hour is a little disorder. France Football would do well to lock its process a little better in the future, so that the magic of the announcement remains intact. In the meantime, the countdown continues, and the suspense, even a little scorned, remains whole to know the other 29 contenders.
