Each year, the publication of the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or creates the expectation, then the debate. The 2025 edition will be no exception, especially since the context lends itself to it: a season without great international competition, favorites in loss of evidence, and a breathtaking individual performance. However, beyond these sporting considerations, a discreet novelty has been invited in the process, already arousing the curiosity of informed followers.
A new criterion that upsets the race for the Ballon d'Or
Contrary to what the title could suggest, the novelty does not concern the format or the number of nominees. But it is very real: France Football has adjusted its evaluation criteria. Now, voters are encouraged to give more weight to the collective influence of the player, beyond his individual statistics alone. This orientation, introduced in collaboration with UEFA, aims to enhance those who transform a group by their presence, their leadership or their intelligence of play.
This shift is part of an assumed will to rebalance the judgments. Too long, the criteria seemed to promote spectacular scorers or profiles. In 2025, organizing circles, strategist defenders and even influential guards could thus gain visibility. This change could also strengthen the legitimacy of the price, sometimes disputed for its too great subjectivity.
An unprecedented detail that could change everything for the names of the Ballon d'Or
The 30 nominees known next Thursday
This new balance may however shake up certain hierarchies. An ultra-decisive player but perceived as little involved in the collective could suffer from it. Conversely, more discreet but essential profiles in the system of their team could do their faces. The message is clear: the Ballon d'Or must no longer reward only the most spectacular, but the one that really saves.
It remains to be seen whether this inflection will be noticeable this year. The list of 30 nominees, expected on August 7, will already be a good indicator. And the final classification, it will reveal whether the collective influence has imposed itself as a decisive criterion or if the old reflexes have hard skin.
