Meet Michael Oti Adjei, Ghana’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Decision Maker
- The highly anticipated 2025 Ballon d'Or gala will light up the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, September 22
- A panel of 100 journalists, each representing the highest-ranked FIFA nations, will cast their votes to decide the world’s best footballer
- YEN.com.gh takes a closer look at the Ghanaian journalist who carries the nation’s voice on the prestigious jury
The global football spotlight is on Paris as the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes centre stage.
Among the select few shaping this year’s outcome is Ghana’s very own Michael Oti-Adjei, a respected journalist who continues to play a key role in determining who claims the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.
Source: Getty Images
For years, Oti-Adjei has carried the responsibility of casting Ghana’s vote, ensuring the nation has a voice in the ultimate football debate.
His presence on the panel reflects not only his personal credibility but also Ghana’s standing as a sports-loving country that values sharp and fair journalism.
How the Ballon d’Or is decided
The process behind the award is meticulous. France Football entrusts 100 journalists from the top FIFA-ranked countries with the task of choosing the winner.
Each voter ranks ten players from a shortlist. The players receive points on a sliding scale — 15 for first place, 12 for second, 10 for third, and so on, down to one point for tenth, per beIN Sports.
Source: Getty Images
When the votes are added up, the player with the highest total claims the Ballon d’Or, with the rest ranked from second through thirtieth.
The criteria are clear. Journalists must consider individual brilliance, such as goals, assists, and consistency.
They also weigh collective success in terms of trophies won and the player’s role in those victories.
Finally, fair play and personal image matter, with emphasis placed on sportsmanship and conduct off the pitch.
Oti-Adjei’s journey to be part of Ballon d'Or jury
Michael Oti-Adjei is no stranger to football’s big conversations.
He served as BBC Sports Correspondent in Ghana between 2003 and 2018, building a reputation as one of Africa’s sharpest voices in sports media.
His career has been defined by insightful analysis, in-depth storytelling, and an unwavering passion for the game.
Source: Instagram
Last year, he was one of the 49 journalists whose votes crowned Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Once again, in 2025, he has submitted Ghana’s ballot, continuing a tradition of representing the country on football’s grandest stage.
Watch his thoughts on this year's edition below:
According to Accramommy, the astute sportscaster is a proud alumnus of Pope John Senior High School, where he studied Science before finding his calling in journalism.
His journey is a reminder that football’s biggest honours are not only shaped by players on the pitch but also by the guardians of the game’s narrative.
Performance of Ghanaians in Ballon d'Or history
In an earlier feature, YEN.com.gh highlighted the only two Ghanaian footballers to have ever earned official Ballon d’Or nominations.
The first was Michael Essien, who broke new ground in 2005 by finishing 22nd on his debut appearance. He also holds the record as the Ghanaian with the most nominations.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
