The Future of Ballon d’Or: Exciting Changes Ahead
A Shift in Award Criteria and Timing
In a recent announcement, France Football, the patron of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, unveiled four significant changes that will shape the future of this coveted honor. One of the most notable modifications is the shift in the timeframe considered for assessing players’ achievements. Starting from 2022, the Ballon d’Or will no longer be awarded based on the calendar year but will instead focus on merits attained during a single season. To ensure clarity and alignment, France Football has decided to evaluate players’ performances within classic football seasons, spanning from August to July. This change will be implemented in the upcoming edition, which will encompass the entirety of the 2021-2022 football season, culminating with the UEFA Women’s Euro in July 2022. Consequently, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be accounted for in the 2023 Ballon d’Or edition.
A Revamped Nominee Selection Process
In addition to the new timing, there will be radical alterations in the process of determining the nominees for each edition of the Ballon d’Or. France Football recognizes the significance of this stage and has chosen to reinforce it substantially. The “permanent council,” composed of expert football journalists from France Football and L’Equipe, will now be joined by the Ballon d’Or Ambassador and ceremony host, Didier Drogba, in crafting the nominees for the Men’s Ballon d’Or, the Yachine Trophy, and the Kopa Trophy. Furthermore, the jury will comprise one additional member who will contribute their expertise to the designation of the nominees. Each year, the jury member regarded as the most knowledgeable, according to France Football, will play a role in this process. For the 2022 edition, Truong Anh Ngoc from Vietnam and Karolina Hlavackova from the Czech Republic will participate in the nomination process for the Men’s and Women’s categories, respectively.
A Revitalized Jury Composition
France Football recognizes the importance of a robust and legitimate jury and has decided to revamp its composition starting from 2022. In the previous year, 170 jury members worldwide cast their votes to determine the recipient of the most prestigious individual prize in world football. However, France Football has chosen to streamline the voting process by reducing the number of voting members to 100 for the Men’s Ballon d’Or and 50 for the Women’s Ballon d’Or. The selection of these “qualified” members will be based on the FIFA ranking of the represented nations. The intent behind this reduction is to ensure a more expert panel, thereby reinforcing the credibility and authority of the final results.
Criteria for the Ballon d’Or Award
France Football emphasizes the criteria employed for the Ballon d’Or award. Primarily, the Ballon d’Or is an individual trophy that recognizes outstanding individual achievements and the impact of players on their respective teams’ performances. Therefore, the first criterion emphasizes individual accomplishments and their influence on team success. However, given that football is a team sport, the second criterion evaluates the results, achievements, and trophies won by the teams of the nominated players during the season. Lastly, the third criterion focuses on the players’ class, encompassing their football talent, elegance, skills, and fair play. Exemplary conduct is also taken into account, as the contenders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of sportsmanship.
Changes in Ballon d’Or Rankings and Favorites
Impact of the Champions League on the Award
The outcome of the current season’s UEFA Champions League will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the race for the coveted Ballon d’Or. The tournament’s results often heavily influence the perceptions and evaluations of players’ performances on the global stage. As the frontrunners compete for individual glory, early exits or impressive runs in the Champions League can significantly impact their chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The Favorites for the 2022 Ballon d’Or
Analyzing the predictions and odds provided by bookmakers, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah emerges as the favorite to clinch the Ballon d’Or in 2022, with +330 odds. Salah’s exceptional performances, both domestically and internationally, have garnered widespread acclaim, making him a top contender for the prestigious award. Right behind Salah, we find Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (+550) and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema (+600). These phenomenal strikers have displayed remarkable consistency and goal-scoring prowess throughout the season. However, it is essential to note that the Ballon d’Or landscape is dynamic, and external factors such as performances in international competitions and the final stages of domestic leagues can reshape the probabilities.
Challenges for Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe
Despite Lionel Messi’s record-breaking seventh Ballon d’Or win in 2021, the bookmakers currently place him as the fifth favorite to secure the award in 2022, with odds of +1200. Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the subsequent formation of a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe generated immense anticipation. However, PSG’s early exit from the Champions League may impact Messi’s chances this year. Similarly, Mbappe, touted as one of the leaders of the new generation of football stars, faces an uphill battle to claim the Ballon d’Or due to PSG’s unexpected elimination from the tournament. Another young talent, Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, is also contemplated as a potential winner, although considered less likely at +1400 odds.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ballon d’Or is embarking on an exciting new era with several crucial changes set to shape its future. Adjustments in the evaluation timeline, nominee selection process, jury composition, and award criteria will enhance the transparency and credibility of this prestigious accolade. As the football world eagerly awaits the 2022 edition, the performances in the Champions League and other prominent competitions will undoubtedly influence the race for the Ballon d’Or. With favorites like Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, and Karim Benzema leading the pack, the outcome remains unpredictable. Football enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the unveiling of the next recipient, who will join an illustrious group of footballing legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the changes in the Ballon d’Or take effect?
The changes in the Ballon d’Or, including the shift in evaluation timing, revamped nominee selection process, and new jury composition, will be implemented starting from the 2022 edition.
2. How will the Ballon d’Or criteria be evaluated?
The Ballon d’Or assessment will consider three key criteria. The first focuses on individual achievements and the impact of the players on their teams’ performances. The second criteria evaluate the results, achievements, and trophies won by the teams of the nominees. Lastly, the third criterion assesses the players’ class, encompassing their football talent, elegance, skills, and fair play.
3. Which players are the favorites for the 2022 Ballon d’Or?
Currently, bookmakers favor Mohamed Salah, followed by Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema, as the top contenders for the 2022 Ballon d’Or. However, the landscape can change based on the performances in ongoing competitions.
4. What impact does the UEFA Champions League have on the Ballon d’Or?
The UEFA Champions League results significantly influence the perceptions and evaluations of players’ performances in the race for the Ballon d’Or. Impressive runs or unexpected exits from the tournament can shape the award’s outcomes.
5. Can any player win the Ballon d’Or, regardless of their position on the field?
Yes, the Ballon d’Or is open to all players, regardless of their position on the field. The award recognizes individual excellence and impact, taking into account the players’ contributions and achievements, regardless of their specific roles on the team.
