The Golden Ball 2025 has just been given to Ousmane Dembélé, but already, the shadow of the dispute hangs over the ceremony. On Saturday, France Football will publish the details of the votes of the 100 jurors, a moment always scrutinized by the players appointed … and often feared by those who feel injured. Some already fear hot reactions from certain finalists, frustrated by the ranking. Recent history recalls in any case that bitterness has often accompanied this trophy.
Ribéry, symbol of an injustice that does not pass
Among the most famous examples, that of Franck Ribéry in 2013 remains in all memories. Author of a perfect season with Bayern Munich – Tripped Bundesliga, Champions League, German Cup – the Frenchman nevertheless only finished third. Furious to see Cristiano Ronaldo prevail, Ribéry will denounce “A shame” and a vote
“Distorted” by the extension of the election period. More than a decade later, he still repeats that “This Ballon d'Or will remain an injustice”.
Another legendary frustration: that of Wesley Sneijder in 2010. Historical tripled with Inter, World Cup final … And yet, Lionel Messi wins the bet. “It was unfair”will admit the Dutchman, not without irony of years later: “I am happy to have been stolen, we still talk about it. »» Even bitterness at Robert Lewandowski in 2021, beaten by Messi after a record season. The Pole had claimed more transparency, dreading
“Let politics take precedence over the sportsman.”
A story of frustrations: the Ballon d'Or and its left-handed
Ronaldo, Benzema and Vinicius in anger
Even the older ones have not escaped frustration. Cristiano Ronaldo has often criticized France Football, going so far as to qualify the golden ball as “Arranged fiction” After certain editions. In 2024, Karim Benzema defended his former teammate Vinicius, believing that “No one was deserving the trophy anymore than him”. As for Vinicius himself, he had refused to go to the ceremony, denouncing a biased verdict:
“They are not ready. I will do ten times more. »»
Not all reacted angry. Virgil Van Dijk, beaten with a breath by Messi in 2019, had expressed a disappointment without resentment: “If I had deserved it, I would have won it. »» An elegance that contrasts with other more explosive reactions, but which also illustrates the diversity of emotions that the Ballon d'Or arouses.
Beyond the words, certain editions were tainted with suspicion: accusations of favoritism in 2021, supposed links between France Football and certain clubs, prolonged or modified votes … These gray areas nourish the idea of a trophy sometimes influenced by external considerations. From Ribéry to Ronaldo, the discordant voices recall that the Ballon d'Or, if it remains the most prestigious individual distinction in football, is no exception to controversy.
Ballon d'Or, the frustrated court
Each fall, the same debates come back, proof that this reward fascinates as much as it divides. While the football world is about to discover the details of the 2025 votes, one thing is certain: if Ousmane Dembélé savor his coronation, others will probably not hesitate, like their illustrious predecessors, to challenge the verdict.
