Ballon d’Or 2025: How Much Does the Winner Actually Get Paid?

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual prize in football, and today, September 22, 2025, the world’s best players will once again gather in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet to crown new champions. 

Both the men’s and women’s categories will be decided, alongside awards for the best coach, best club, and young player of the year.

This year’s race is as tight as ever. Barcelona stars Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal are among the leading contenders, while PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé is also strongly backed. 

Reigning champion Rodri will not be able to defend his crown after being sidelined by injury, and with Real Madrid skipping the ceremony for a second straight year, Kylian Mbappé appears to be out of contention.

But while fans argue over who deserves the prize most, one question always comes up: how much money does a Ballon d’Or winner actually receive?

Does the Ballon d’Or come with a cash prize?

Contrary to popular belief, the Ballon d’Or itself does not come with direct financial compensation. 

The award, organised by France Football in partnership with UEFA, is essentially a golden statuette, though reports suggest it is not made of pure gold and is valued at only around €3,000. In other words, the trophy itself is more symbolic than financial.

Where the real money comes from

While the award doesn’t come with a cash prize, the recognition can be worth millions in other ways. Clubs often reward players who win the Ballon d’Or with special bonuses or contract incentives. 

In addition, sponsors and global brands see the winner as an instant marketing icon. Securing endorsement deals, advertising contracts, and image rights agreements can earn a Ballon d’Or winner far more than any direct payout from the award itself.

For example, past winners like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo turned their Ballon d’Or success into commercial empires, attracting sponsorships worth tens of millions of dollars. The same trend continues today, winning the trophy boosts a player’s global profile and marketability almost overnight.

More than anything, the Ballon d’Or is about recognition. It crowns a player as the very best in world football, placing their name alongside legends of the game. 

Even if the trophy itself is not made of pure gold, the prestige it carries is priceless, often influencing future contracts, transfer value, and a player’s legacy.