Didier Drogba Claims Ballon d’Or is “Rigged” in Shocking Interview
Paris, September 23, 2025 — The football world has been shaken after Chelsea legend Didier Drogba accused the Ballon d’Or of being manipulated by politics, PR campaigns, and hidden agendas.
In a powerful interview with France Football, Drogba—who co-hosted the ceremony from 2019 to 2024—spoke of “disturbing practices” behind the scenes, suggesting that football’s most prestigious individual award has been compromised for more than five years.
“I’ve stood there with the script in my hand, smiling for the cameras, while decisions were twisted,” Drogba revealed. “It’s not only about talent anymore—it’s about politics, PR, and who has the power.”
Dembélé’s Win Sparks Debate
Drogba’s comments came just hours after the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, where Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the winner—making him only the second Black player after George Weah in 1995 to claim the prize. While celebrated as a milestone, critics immediately pointed to his nationality and UEFA connections, claiming favoritism played a role.
“Rot Set In Around 2019”
According to Drogba, manipulation began when France Football partnered with UEFA. He alleged that script changes, PR-driven lobbying, and media influence shaped voting outcomes.
“Agencies would approach journalists with ‘confidential’ deals to boost players,” Drogba said. “One year, a contender was deliberately sidelined because his club didn’t align with UEFA’s commercial partners.”
His words echoed a leaked email reported by The Athletic, which exposed a covert campaign to promote Dembélé’s 2025 bid through media placements and social channels.
Controversial Ballon d’Or Snubs
Drogba also revisited past controversies, including Vinícius Júnior’s 2024 snub, when he finished behind Rodri despite a Champions League triumph. He highlighted a long list of greats—Thierry Henry, Xavi, Iniesta, Lewandowski, Ribéry, Eto’o—whose brilliance went unrewarded.
“I didn’t win it myself, but I respected the process. Now? It feels like the award has lost its soul,” Drogba admitted.
Global Backlash
UEFA and France Football quickly issued a joint statement defending the Ballon d’Or as “transparent and merit-based,” but the damage was already done. Hashtags like #DrogbaExposes and #RiggedBallonDor began trending worldwide. Legends such as Yaya Touré and William Gallas voiced support, while sponsors including Rolex and Adidas faced tough questions about their role in promotional pushes.
Even FIFA weighed in, hinting at creating a rival “Best Player” award to ensure fairness and transparency.
“Football Can Heal This”
Drogba, who was replaced as Ballon d’Or co-host this year by Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott, suggested he may have been pushed aside for speaking out. His former co-host Sandy Heribert backed him, saying: “The truth had to come out.”
Ending the interview, Drogba made it clear his fight is for the game, not for himself:
“Football brought peace to my country. It can heal this too. We must demand better—for the sport, not just the spectacle.”
With Messi retired and Ronaldo finishing his career in Saudi Arabia, Drogba’s explosive words come at a turning point for football’s most prestigious prize. The Ballon d’Or may survive—but its golden shine may never look the same again.