The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honor, will once again carry an air of suspense right up until the envelope is opened. Organizers have confirmed that the winner of the 2025 edition will not be notified in advance, continuing a rule introduced last year to heighten anticipation and protect the secrecy of the award.
For decades, speculation around the Ballon d’Or often came with leaks or early confirmations that dulled the sense of occasion. Traditionally, journalists, insiders, and even players themselves would hear whispers of the outcome well before the official ceremony. That practice has now been firmly stamped out, with France Football and event organizers insisting that the victor will only learn of their triumph live on stage.
The new approach has been widely praised by fans, who believe it restores the mystique and drama surrounding the event. Last year’s edition saw genuine surprise and raw emotion from the eventual winner, a stark contrast to the rehearsed speeches of previous years. Football romantics argue this is exactly what the Ballon d’Or should represent: a celebration of excellence, suspense, and the unpredictability of the sport.
This year’s race promises to be one of the tightest in recent memory, with several standout performers from domestic leagues and international competitions putting their names firmly in contention. The rule change means none of them will know their fate until the moment the envelope is opened—whether it’s a first-time recipient or a legend adding yet another golden ball to their collection.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled to take place in Paris, is expected to draw football’s biggest names, past and present, along with a global television audience. With secrecy at its core, the night promises heightened drama, particularly as debates over who deserves the prize intensify across social media and pundit circles.
One thing is certain: when the winner’s name is finally revealed, the emotion on their face will be authentic, unscripted, and unforgettable—cementing the Ballon d’Or not just as a trophy, but as a true spectacle of football theatre.
Africa Digital News, New York
