"I deserve the Ballon d'Or." "I've done everything necessary to win the Ballon d'Or." A major media campaign has launched around the contenders for football's most prestigious individual award, where humility is clearly not a keyword.

The 2025 race is more wide open than ever. From Yamal to Mbappé and then to Kvaratskhelia, Kane, and Dembélé—many players believe they have a chance. Clubs and teammates are backing them up, constantly emphasizing their achievements and insisting they meet all the necessary criteria for lifting the trophy.

As a reminder, there are three criteria, and their order is clear: 1. Individual performance, decisiveness, and impact; 2. Team performance and success; 3. Sportsmanship and fair play. In the process of continuously building momentum for themselves, some may not fully meet the third criterion—but we won't dwell on that now. What matters most is convincing the 100 jurors, who are journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. Will they be influenced by these candidates' various statements?

Le Parisien contacted several jurors who are reluctant to appear in the media too much. Yazid Ouahib, the juror representing Algeria, was interviewed and spoke about this year's unusual Ballon d'Or race.

"I've been a juror since 2007, and I must say that over the past two years, we've seen PR campaigns like never before. All these interviews, all these opinions—it's distracting and won't affect my vote. The situation looks lively, but nothing will change. We simply observe these developments from a distance. I can't speak for my colleagues, but I don't think these campaigns will influence their votes either. What they ultimately think comes down to each person's conscience."

Anders Bengtsson, his Swedish counterpart, also said he wouldn't be swayed by the repeated claims of popular contenders. "These PR campaigns have no effect on me whatsoever. It's undeniable that they might influence some voters. If I'm torn between two players, certain statistics or statements might sway me one way or the other—but only if I cast my ballot carelessly."

Pascal Ferré, the former executive editor of France Football who represented France in voting for seven years, also questioned the PR strategy over recent days.

"Jurors aren't three-year-olds. They have experience and judgment, and they can fully assess a player without needing to hear him say ten or fifteen times that he's the best. When I say the Ballon d'Or might get lost in the PR noise, I mean some people are using the public opinion space unfairly, making jurors feel pressured. The chaos some are creating might ultimately annoy voters because this tactic is far too obvious," he added.

Yesterday, we reported that betting companies had reduced odds for Mbappé and Yamal, and these two most media-active players were thus overshadowed by Kane, who has been more reserved.

แปลโดย AI

เว็บไซต์ AF เปิดตัวแล้ว! ดูข่าว ความคิดเห็น รายละเอียดแมตช์ และสถิติครบถ้วนบนคอมพิวเตอร์ของคุณ เยี่ยมชม: www.allfootballapp.com