The 2025 Ballon d’Or crowned Ousmane Dembélé after his best season yet. But while his triumph felt deserved, Raphinha’s shock fifth-place finish, despite record-breaking numbers, reignited debates over bias, voting politics, and the award’s lack of suspense.
Ballon d’Or: Yearly Portion of Heated Debate and (un)justified Controversy
Sep 25, 2025
Brazil and the Ballon d’Or: All the Winners and the Ongoing Drought
Brazil’s history with the Ballon d’Or features legends like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká. Yet the country has endured an 18-year drought. We revisit past glory and ask if a new generation can bring the trophy back.
Sep 23, 2025
Ballon d’Or vs. Sofascore Rating. Who Should Have Won It?
The Ballon d’Or 2025 crowned Dembélé, but Sofascore ratings suggest a different story. With Yamal rated higher, Vitinha’s influence, and Raphinha overlooked despite top numbers, the gap between votes and stats shows why the debate will never end.
Sep 23, 2025
Ballon d’Or 2025 Winners
Ballon d’Or 2025 crowned the season’s best. Dembélé, Bonmatí and Yamal shone alongside Donnarumma, Gyökeres and Luis Enrique in a ceremony that closed one campaign and set the tone for the next.
Sep 16, 2025
Raphinha. Kimmich. Top of the Ratings – But Not the Ballon d’Or Favourites. Why?
Sofascore’s award celebrates players through data, not popularity. Raphinha and Kimmich led Europe by ratings but remain outside Ballon d’Or favourites. This contrast shows why an objective, performance-based prize tells football’s truest story.
Sep 11, 2024
Ballon d’Or – Nominees shortlist
Football’s most prestigious individual award will have an new owner in October. These are the 30 names still in the race for their maiden Ballon d’Or.