Didier Drogba steps down as Ballon d’Or host, Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott take over

Didier Drogba will no longer host the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, ending a role he has held since 2019.

The Ivorian legend, who became a defining presence on the stage of football’s most prestigious individual award, is to be replaced by Dutch great Ruud Gullit and broadcaster Kate Scott.

The decision marks the end of an era. Drogba, alongside French presenter Sandy Heribert, became a familiar figure of the annual gala, guiding audiences through some of the most memorable moments in recent football history.

His departure now paves the way for a new pairing that promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the ceremony.

A Familiar Face Bids Farewell

Since first stepping into the role six years ago, Drogba has anchored the Ballon d’Or celebrations with charisma and authority. His partnership with Heribert offered a balance of glamour and expertise that resonated with viewers worldwide.

Together, they presided over Lionel Messi’s record-extending triumphs in 2019, 2021 and 2023, Karim Benzema’s crowning in 2022, and most recently, Spanish midfielder Rodri’s success in 2024.

Each year, Drogba’s presence brought gravitas, both as a former finalist for the award himself and as a global ambassador for the game.

His final appearance came during Rodri’s coronation last year, when the Manchester City star lifted the Golden Ball, marking the end of Drogba’s tenure at the helm of the gala.

A New Era of Presenters

This year’s edition, scheduled for 22 September in Paris, will see Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott step into the spotlight. Gullit, a Ballon d’Or winner himself in 1987 and one of the iconic figures of Dutch football, brings both pedigree and a direct link to the history of the award. Scott, a highly regarded sports broadcaster known for her work across major football competitions, is expected to complement his presence with energy and accessibility for a global audience.

The move represents a bold shift, as organisers seek to refresh the tone of the ceremony while maintaining its tradition of celebrating football’s finest talents.

Spotlight on the 2025 Race

While attention has been drawn to the change in hosting duties, the spotlight will inevitably return to the two players leading this year’s Ballon d’Or race. France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal are seen as the front-runners, with Dembélé believed to hold a slight edge ahead of the ceremony.

The clash of generations has captivated fans, with Dembélé’s dazzling displays for both club and country putting him in strong contention, while Yamal’s meteoric rise at just 18 years old has marked him out as a historic contender.

Closing a Chapter, Opening Another

For Drogba, stepping down is the conclusion of a chapter that connected his playing legacy to football’s most glamorous stage. His presence elevated the ceremony, linking the achievements of today’s stars with the heritage of past icons.

The arrival of Gullit and Scott signals continuity with a twist – the tradition of star-powered hosts continues, but with a fresh face and voice to carry it forward.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 ceremony, one story is already written: Didier Drogba’s time as the face of the Ballon d’Or has ended, but his imprint on the event will remain part of its history.