The Ballon d’Or 2025 has officially set its date, and football fans around the world are buzzing with excitement. L’Équipe announced on Monday afternoon that the prestigious ceremony will take place on September 22 at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This marks a significant shift from previous years, as the event has traditionally been held in October. One of the most notable changes in this year’s edition is the addition of three new women’s trophies. These accolades will complement the existing honors, including the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, the Kopa Trophy, the Yachine Trophy, the Gerd Müller Trophy, and the Cruyff Trophy. Now, women’s versions of the Yachine, Gerd Müller, and Cruyff Trophies will also be awarded, reflecting a more inclusive approach to celebrating football excellence. The list of nominees, both men and women, is set to be unveiled in the first half of August, with the announcement expected to be broadcast live on the L’Equipe channel. This year’s criteria will include performances from the Club World Cup, which could benefit players like Kylian Mbappé, despite his absence from the Champions League final. The method for selecting the winners remains unchanged. France Football will compile a list of 30 nominees, and a jury of 100 international journalists will vote. Each journalist will submit their top 10 choices, assigning points according to the rankings. The three main selection criteria also stay consistent: individual performance and decisiveness, collective success and titles won, and overall class and fair play. These criteria have sparked debates, especially concerning younger talents like Lamine Yamal, compared to more established stars like Ousmane Dembélé. The announcement of the new trophies marks a progressive step for the Ballon d’Or, which has often been critiqued for not adequately recognizing female footballers. By introducing the women’s versions of the existing awards, the organizers are taking a more balanced approach to honor both male and female talents. Football experts and fans alike are curious to see how these changes will impact the competition. The inclusion of Club World Cup performances could shake up expectations, allowing players who shone in the tournament to receive more recognition. Social media has been flooded with opinions, with some celebrating the increased recognition for women’s football, while others debate the fairness of the expanded criteria. With just a few months to go before the ceremony, players and fans alike are eagerly waiting to see who will take home football’s most coveted individual honors. Whether familiar faces or rising stars claim the trophies, the Ballon d’Or 2025 promises to deliver an evening of surprises and celebrations.