The world’s most prestigious football awards ceremony, the Ballon d’Or 2025, is set to make history on September 22, 2025, as it embraces full gender equality for the first time since its inception. Organizers France Football magazine and UEFA confirmed the news on Monday, announcing that both male and female athletes will receive equal recognition and awards across multiple categories.
This year’s glittering gala will take place at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the football elite will gather to witness a revamped and more inclusive edition of the Ballon d’Or. For the first time, new categories tailored specifically for female athletes will be introduced. These include Best Women’s Goalkeeper, Best Young Women’s Player, and Top Women’s Scorer in both club and national competitions.
In total, six major awards will now be presented separately to male and female footballers, alongside the prestigious Socrates Award, which celebrates humanitarian and solidarity-driven efforts by any player, regardless of gender. The official list of nominees for all categories is expected to be unveiled in early August, fueling excitement among fans and analysts alike.
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The 2024 ceremony was mired in controversy when Real Madrid boycotted the event after learning that their star winger, Vinicius Junior, was overlooked for the Best Men’s Player award, ultimately given to Manchester City’s Rodri. Organizers are keen to turn the page with this year’s event by promoting unity, fairness, and global celebration of football excellence.
With its bold steps toward inclusivity and equal recognition, Ballon d’Or 2025 promises to be a landmark moment in the history of the sport. The spotlight is now firmly on Paris, where football’s finest will gather for a night that redefines how the beautiful game honors its brightest stars, regardless of gender.
