Ballon d’Or 2025: Earlier ceremony and historic equality push

Mark your calendars – football’s most prestigious individual award is coming early this year. The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on September 22 at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, breaking from its traditional October slot, L’Équipe reveals.

In a landmark move for gender equality, organizers are expanding all previously male-only awards to women’s football. For the first time, female players will compete for their own versions of the Kopa Trophy (best U21 player), Yachine Award (best goalkeeper), and Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer).

This shake-up comes as women’s football continues its meteoric rise following record-breaking World Cup attendances and growing global interest.

The expanded format acknowledges the need for parallel recognition across both genders in the sport.