Le Classique Postponement Collides with Ballon d’Or Gala
Le Classique Postponed Due to Severe Weather
The anticipated Le Classique clash between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, originally set for Sunday, September 21, 2025, has been postponed after meteorological authorities forecasted severe weather in Marseille. This decision, made in the interest of player and fan safety, has thrown the French football calendar into disarray. The rescheduled date for this iconic Ligue 1 fixture is now Monday, September 22, at 8:00 PM CET, a move that has sparked considerable debate among fans, clubs, and football officials.
Major Scheduling Conflict with Ballon d’Or Ceremony
The most striking repercussion of this postponement is its direct overlap with the Ballon d’Or ceremony, one of football’s most prestigious events. Traditionally, the Ballon d’Or gala gathers the world’s top footballers, coaches, and dignitaries to honor the best individual performances of the season. This year, the ceremony is also set for the evening of September 22, creating an unprecedented conflict for several Paris Saint-Germain stars.
PSG Nominees Face Dilemma
Several PSG players, including Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi, have been shortlisted for awards at the Ballon d’Or gala. With Le Classique now scheduled simultaneously, these players face an impossible decision: represent their club in a crucial league match or attend the ceremony where their individual achievements could be recognized on a global stage. For most, club duties will take precedence, meaning key nominees will likely be absent from the awards night.
Vitinha, who has been instrumental in PSG’s midfield throughout the season, was widely tipped as a potential winner of the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player. Achraf Hakimi, renowned for his dynamic performances at right-back, was also expected to be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Their absence from the ceremony will be felt, not only by the players themselves but also by fans and the footballing community.
Ousmane Dembélé: The Ballon d’Or Favorite
Perhaps the most compelling storyline centers around PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé. After a season in which he scored 35 goals and played a pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League triumph and domestic dominance, Dembélé has emerged as a leading candidate for the men’s Ballon d’Or. His dazzling performances have made him a fan favorite and a symbol of PSG’s attacking prowess.
Currently recovering from injury, Dembélé’s situation is unique. While his fitness may prevent him from participating in Le Classique, it could allow him to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in person. If Dembélé is able to collect the trophy, he would become the first French player since Karim Benzema to win the award, further cementing his place in football history. However, the absence of his teammates, many of whom contributed to his successful season, would cast a shadow over the celebration.
Impact on Clubs, Fans, and French Football
The decision to reschedule Le Classique has far-reaching implications beyond the immediate inconvenience to players. For Marseille and PSG, Le Classique is more than just a football match—it is a rivalry steeped in history, passion, and regional pride. The fixture routinely draws millions of viewers and fills stadiums with electric atmospheres. The new date, clashing with the Ballon d’Or, risks diluting the spectacle, as global attention will be split between the match and the awards gala.
From a logistical perspective, both clubs must now adapt their preparations for a Monday fixture, disrupting training schedules and recovery routines. Fans who had planned to travel to Marseille for the weekend match must rearrange their plans, and broadcasters face the challenge of covering two major football events simultaneously.
Reactions from the Football Community
The overlapping of these two marquee events has drawn criticism from various quarters. Some have questioned why the French football authorities did not consider alternative dates, especially given the significance of both Le Classique and the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Others have expressed frustration at the lack of coordination between domestic and international football calendars.
Football experts have also weighed in, noting that the situation highlights the increasingly congested nature of the football calendar. As clubs compete in domestic leagues, European competitions, and international tournaments, finding suitable dates for high-profile fixtures is becoming ever more challenging.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
As the new date approaches, all eyes will be on how PSG and Marseille manage their squads and strategies for the rescheduled Le Classique. For PSG, player rotation and fitness will be key, especially with several stars likely to miss out on the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The club’s management has yet to make an official statement regarding player attendance at the awards, but indications are that the focus will remain on securing a crucial victory against their arch-rivals.
Meanwhile, the Ballon d’Or organizers have acknowledged the clash but have confirmed that the ceremony will proceed as planned. The absence of notable nominees, particularly from PSG, may alter the dynamic of the evening, but the anticipation surrounding the announcement of the winners remains high.
Conclusion
The postponement of Le Classique and its overlap with the Ballon d’Or ceremony represents a rare and complex dilemma for French football. As the date draws near, the focus will be on the performances on the field and the celebrations off it. Whether PSG’s stars can balance club commitments with personal accolades remains to be seen, but the events of September 22, 2025, are sure to be remembered as a unique chapter in football history.
Sources:
L’Équipe