The Ballon d’Or is dubbed the ‘world’s biggest secret’ by FC Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta. He spills the beans on how the prestigious award remained under wraps until the very last moment.
Ousmane Dembélé was named the Ballon d’Or 2025 winner, but no one knew until the announcement. Unlike previous years, where winners were often tipped off early, this time it was a total surprise.
Laporta provided astonishing proof of the secrecy. He told Diario AS, ‘We traveled without knowing the voting results. Even the presenters were in the dark. I asked Iniesta and Ronaldinho, and they were clueless too. Neither UEFA’s Ceferin nor France Football’s owner knew either.’
Real Madrid Displeased with the New Format
This extreme confidentiality has stirred some irritation, particularly with rivals like Real Madrid. Not even the legends or top officials had any inside information on the winner.
Laporta himself had to wait, just like everyone else, to discover the winner’s name when the envelope was finally opened. What a thrilling moment at the gala!
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