Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal or someone else? That is the question dominating discussions among football fans as anticipation builds around the Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in world football.

Although speculation over the potential winner continues, the award follows a defined selection process. Players’ individual performances, team achievements and conduct on the pitch are all considered when determining the winners.

Organised by France Football magazine, this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place at the London Palladium. The event has traditionally been held in Paris, but the 70th edition is moving to London as a tribute to England’s Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner in 1956. Matthews received his award in the English seaside town of Blackpool.

The ceremony recognises the best players in men’s and women’s football, alongside outstanding performers in several other categories.

What Is the Ballon d’Or?

Ballon d’Or means “Golden Ball” in French. The award was established by France Football in 1956 to recognise the world’s best footballer. It was not presented in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, the award was restricted to European footballers. In 1995, eligibility was expanded to include players from other continents who played for European clubs. Since 2007, footballers of any nationality have been eligible.

Several legends, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, have won the award. Messi holds the record with eight victories, while Ronaldo has won it five times.

How Is the Winner Selected?

The Ballon d’Or jury for the men’s award consists of 100 experienced journalists representing the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. For the women’s award, one journalist from each of the top 50 countries casts a vote.

Each juror ranks their 10 preferred players in order, awarding points as follows: 15 for first place, 12 for second, 10 for third, followed by eight, seven, five, four, three, two and one point.

The player with the highest total wins the award. If two or more players finish level on points, the number of first-place votes is used to break the tie. If the deadlock continues, second-place votes and subsequent rankings are considered.

What Factors Influence the Voting?

The Ballon d’Or evaluation criteria were revised in 2022. Previously, a player’s career achievements could also influence the assessment. Under the revised approach, three main factors are considered:

1. Individual performance: A player’s quality, consistency and contribution during the relevant season.
2. Team success: Achievements with club and national teams, including performances in important matches.
3. Conduct and fair play: Behaviour on the pitch, sportsmanship and ethical standards.

The Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s annual player award were once combined under the name FIFA Ballon d’Or. The partnership ended in 2016, after which France Football resumed presenting its own award while FIFA continued with The Best awards.

UEFA became involved in organising the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2024. However, France Football retains responsibility for the award and its voting process.

Why Is the Ballon d’Or So Prestigious?

The Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as one of football’s highest individual honours. Its international recognition and long history have made winning it a defining achievement for many players.

The award is often compared to the Academy Awards in cinema because of the prestige associated with receiving one of the sport’s most recognisable individual distinctions.

Who Has Won the Most Ballon d’Or Awards?

Argentina’s Lionel Messi leads the men’s all-time list with eight titles. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is second with five.

Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten have each won the award three times.

Spain midfielder Rodri won the 2024 edition, while French forward Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 award.

Other Awards Presented at the Ceremony

Alongside the main Ballon d’Or awards, France Football recognises players, coaches and clubs in several categories:

• Ballon d’Or Féminin: Best player in women’s football.
• Kopa Trophy: Best young player under the age of 21.
• Yashin Trophy: Best goalkeeper.
• Gerd Müller Trophy: Recognition for the leading goalscorer.
• Socrates Award: Recognition for humanitarian and social contributions.
• Club of the Year: Awards recognising outstanding men’s and women’s clubs.
• Johan Cruyff Trophy: Awards for the best men’s and women’s coaches.

Who Is on This Year’s Shortlist?

The published shortlist features 30 players, including Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Rodri and Lautaro Martinez.

According to a report published by ESPN Soccer, 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is the leading contender in its poll. The England international reportedly received approximately two-thirds of the votes, while 19-year-old Yamal secured 28 per cent. Mbappe and Messi followed in the poll.

Other notable names on the shortlist include Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Bellingham, Dembele, Michael Olise, Vitinha and Pau Cubarsi.

As the ceremony approaches, the contest is increasingly being viewed as a three-way race involving Kane, Yamal and Mbappe. However, the final outcome will be determined by the official voting process.