Already tonight, on Monday, the football planet will meet the winners of the most prestigious individual award – the Golden Ball “France Football”. At the Paris Theatre du Chatelet, emotions will scope out to the zenith, and the focus will be on 2 main favourites: Ousmane Dembele from Paris Saint-Germain and rising star FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal. Although Robert Lewandowski is among the nominees, his chances of triumph are minimal. However, Polish fans have real reasons for optimism, especially in the context of the women's edition of the plebiscite, where Ewa Pajor is selected to receive Gerd Müller's Trophy.
Golden Ball Gala: Who on top?
The Gold Ball “France Football” ceremony will begin at 21:00 in the capital of France. The list of nominated footballers and footballers included 30 names, representing the world's top football. Media speculations and betting of bookmakers clearly indicate that the rivalry for the men's Golden Ball will take place mainly between 2 players whose form in the past period was followed by millions of fans.
Most experts and bookmakers agree on Ousmane Dembele. His phenomenal period in PSG colours, mostly driven by Kylian Mbappé's departure, allowed him to grow his wings and become a reliable shooter and a key link of the offensive. Paris Saint-Germain's triumph in this year's Champions League is, according to sports journalists, a origin that can find his triumph over young Lamin Yamal.
Ousmane Dembele: The key to the Golden Ball?
Season 2024/2025 was a real breakthrough for Ousmane Dembele. The French wingman, freed from the force to be “the other” alongside Mbappé, became the leader of the PSG attack. His dribbling skills, imagination of the game and effectiveness under the rival's goal resulted not only in many goals, but besides in key assists that led the Paris club to a historical triumph in the Champions League. It is this success, alongside awesome individual statistics, that puts him at the forefront of the Golden Ball race.
The Athletic service, known for its precise analysis, placed Dembele in the first position in its typing. Just behind him was 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who, despite his young age, delighted the planet with his game for FC Barcelona. In the following places, The Athletic indicated Vitinha (PSG), Raphinha (FC Barcelona) and Mohamed Salaha (Liverpool), which emphasizes the dominance of PSG and Barcelona players in this year's ranking.
Robert Lewandowski and Polish hopes: Ewa Pajor on the podium?
Among 30 nominees were besides Robert Lewandowski, which played another very successful period in the colors of FC Barcelona, winning the Spanish championship, the King's Cup and the Super Bowl of Spain. Nevertheless, both bookmakers and sports journalists do not give Poles much chance to win in specified a prestigious plebiscite. Dembele and Yamala's shares stand much higher this year, reflecting their key function in the most crucial club triumphs.
However, Polish fans have real reasons to be arrogant thanks Ewa Pajor. Nominated among footballers, FC Barcelona player is the main favourite to receive the Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded for the highest number of goals scored in the past season. Pajor noted awesome 52 goals (in Barcelona and the Polish team) and 18 assists, clearly ahead of Claudia Pina from Barcelona (33 goals). Her possible triumph is not only a designation of individual achievements, but besides a signal of the increasing strength of Polish women's football internationally.
How are winners chosen? Voting process
The choice of the best footballer and footballer is simply a thorough process involving an global jury. In the case of men, votes cast 100 sports journalists – 1 from each country in the top 100 FIFA rankings. For women, the jury consists of 50 journalists. Members of the jury shall pay peculiar attention to 3 key aspects of the evaluation:
- Individual performances: How the player looked on the field.
- Team achievements: What trophies were won by the squad in which the nominee played.
- Class and fair play: A player's attitude on and off the field.
"France Football" has been awarding its award continuously since 1956, becoming synonymous with individual excellence in football. In addition to the Golden Ball, another prestigious trophies will besides be awarded during the gala, specified as the Kopa Trophy for the best U-21 footballer, the Jaszyn Trophy for the best goalkeeper and the Cruyff Trophy for the best coach. We will besides meet the squad of the year, consisting of eleven best players of the past season.
Continued here:
Gold Ball: Dembele favorite. Lewandowski without a chance, but Polka is to triumph!
