Kylian Mbappe, the renowned forward for Real Madrid, has recently ignited discussions about the Ballon d'Or, challenging the current criteria used to select the award's winner. Speaking to Le Parisien, Mbappe raised concerns over the unpredictability of the voting process, stirring conversations among fans and players alike.
On March 18, 2025, Mbappe emphasized the need for fairness when it came to awarding football's most prestigious honor. He argued passionately for equal consideration among players, stating, "Today, we don’t know who the Ballon d’Or leans toward, except for the fact no one should be excluded; all players should be rewarded, perhaps even a goalkeeper," clearly expressing his frustrations with the status quo.
The previous year, the decision to award the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City's Rodri ignited significant controversy, particularly as many believed Vinicius Jr. deserved the accolade following his outstanding performances. The uproar surrounding Rodri's win was palpable, leading to Real Madrid's decision to not attend the gala event where he was celebrated, even as the club claimed other prestigious awards, including Best Team and Best Coach.
Reflecting on the previous outcome, Mbappe remarked, "Ballon d’Or, what’s a Ballon d’Or, is Rodri a Ballon d’Or for you? I thought the Ballon d’Or would go to Vini Jr. but in the end, it went to Rodri. If I had told you three months ago, you would have said: What the hell are you talking about?" His words resonate with the disbelief many felt at the award's outcome, as football fans and players alike express confusion over the selection criteria.
While the debate over the Ballon d'Or continues, new contender Ousmane Dembele has made headlines of his own. The Frenchman, who has scored 30 goals and recorded six assists this year, is increasingly seen as a potential candidate for the next Ballon d'Or. His performance this season has elevated his status, especially if Paris Saint-Germain makes significant strides in the Champions League.
During his interview, Mbappe noted Dembele's remarkable form and hinted at the possibility of his friend being rewarded with the coveted title, comparing his worthiness against the backdrop of Rodri's unexpected win. He acknowledged the shifting dynamics and uncertainties surrounding this year's award, stating, "We don’t know who the Ballon d’Or will go to, except for the fact no one should be ruled out, all players can be rewarded, maybe even a goalkeeper." This reflection demonstrates Mbappe's belief in transparency and fairness within the election process.
With the Ballon d'Or always producing drama, this year looks set to be no exception. There are no clear favorites as the dialogue intensifies, and supporters wonder if last year's controversies will play any role moving forward. The unpredictability of award selection seems to echo throughout the sport itself, creating tension and excitement as fans await to see who will eventually lift the trophy next.
What's more, as players like Dembele rise to form and others like Mbappe continuously voice concerns about the fairness of the award's selection process, the conversation will undeniably keep developing. The anticipation for this year's Ballon d'Or has already stirred enthusiasm and debate, as football fans remain eager to see whether changes will be implemented to honor the most deserving players.
Only time will tell if the Ballon d'Or can evolve beyond its controversies, embracing fairness and transparency. For now, all eyes remain glued to the pitch, capturing the powerful moments leading up to yet another exciting ceremony. Questions loiter: Will Dembele's achievements merit serious consideration, and can football's governing bodies affirm their commitment to fair play? The answers lie within the heart of the beautiful game.
