Ballon d’Or Explained: Is the Trophy Really Made of Gold?
- Details about how the Ballon d'Or trophy is made have emerged ahead of the September 22 gala in Paris
- The 2025 Ballon d’Or race heats up as PSG’s Ousmane Dembele battles Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal
- The 30-man shortlist shows just how competitive and unpredictable this year’s Ballon d’Or contest is
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Many football fans have long admired the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious trophy awarded annually to the world’s best player.
However, a common misconception persists, as some fans believe the Ballon d’Or is made of pure gold.
Source: Getty Images
This article seeks to correct that notion and provide a clear understanding of what the trophy is actually made of.
What is the Ballon d’Or made of?
According to Your Football Tips, the Ballon d’Or is primarily crafted from bronze, which is then plated with gold to achieve its iconic golden appearance.
The golden coating gives the trophy a luxurious and radiant look, but the core is not solid gold.
If it were, the cost and weight would be impractical because the trophy weighs approximately 12.5 kilograms (27.5 pounds), already substantial enough as a display piece.
Per AS, the design and choice of materials aim to balance prestige, durability, and aesthetics. Bronze provides a strong and stable structure, while the gold plating ensures the trophy shines and reflects the honor it represents.
2025 Ballon d'Or: Race, favourites
Meanwhile, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up as one of the most intriguing in recent years, with a straight battle emerging between Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal.
Dembele, a driving force for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this season, was instrumental in guiding his team to a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
His versatility, creativity, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him the frontrunner in the eyes of many pundits. According to Transfermarkt, he tallied 35 goals and offered 16 assists during the 2024/25 season.
On the other side, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has dazzled fans and critics alike, producing an exceptional campaign with 18 goals and providing 25 assists, helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble.
Source: Getty Images
Adding intrigue to the podium race is Vitinha, the Portuguese midfielder at PSG, who is widely tipped to finish third, thanks to his consistent performances and playmaking abilities.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé appears to have conceded the race, announcing that he will not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22, effectively stepping aside from contention despite his high-profile season.
Joining the conversation are other stars on the 30-man shortlist, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, all of whom have enjoyed remarkable seasons.
Their inclusion underscores the depth of talent competing for football’s most coveted individual award, making the 2025 Ballon d’Or a fascinating contest to watch.
Dembele tipped to win Ballon d'or 2025
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that organisers have reportedly informed Ousmane Dembele that he will win this year's Ballon d'Or, generating lots of buzz online.
While many supporters celebrated, insisting that the Paris Saint-Germain star fully deserves the top honor, others argued in favor of Lamine Yamal.
Source: YEN.com.gh
