Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony, presented by France Football, will be held on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. It recognizes top performances from the 2024–25 season (August 1 to July 31).
The shortlist of nominees across all categories including men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or 2025, Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, Gerd Müller Trophy, Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year was officially announced on August 7, 2025.
Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025: The Nominees & Front-Runners
Top Contenders
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) is widely seen as a leading contender after scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists, including key contributions in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), just 18, is remarkable, not only nominated for the Ballon d’Or 2025 but also the Kopa Trophy, potentially becoming the youngest-ever winner.
Notable Nominees & Storylines
- Nine PSG players made the shortlist, celebrating their treble (Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League).
- Liverpool features four nominees: Mohamed Salah (a leading contender), Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, and Florian Wirtz. Goalkeeper Alisson is also nominated for the Yashin Trophy, and Arne Slot is up for Coach of the Year.
- Real Madrid trio, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior earned nods despite a relatively subdued season for the club.
- Scott McTominay, sensation in Napoli’s Serie A title campaign, is the first Scottish nominee in nearly four decades.
Full Men’s Nominee Roster
Thirty players from Europe’s elite leagues are on the final ballot—ranging from established stars like Haaland, Kane, Salah, Lewandowski, and Mbappé, to emerging talents like Doué, Gyökeres, and Olise.
Spotlight on Dominance & Emerging Talent
PSG’s Unprecedented Representation
Paris Saint-Germain made football history this year, with nine players—Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Désiré Doué, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Fabian Ruiz, and Vitinha earning their place on the men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 shortlist. It’s a testament to PSG’s domestic treble and first-ever UEFA Champions League title, with Dembélé leading the charge (35 goals, 16 assists across all competitions).
Youth Rising Brightly: Lamine Yamal
Just 17 (or 18, depending on the source), Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has captured global attention not only with his Ballon d’Or 2025 nomination but also as a top contender for the prestigious Kopa Trophy (best U21 player). His electric performances this season make him one of the most talked-about talents in world football.
Notable Nominees & Storylines to Watch
The Premier League Curveball
Liverpool’s stars – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all secured spots on the shortlist, reflecting their strong campaigns, alongside Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Their presence adds weight to Premier League narratives in a competition often dominated by continental heavyweights.
Scotland & Serie A’s Standout: Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay’s nomination is historic, he’s the first Scot to break into the Ballon d’Or 2025 shortlist in nearly four decades, thanks to his vital role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph.
Real Madrid’s Trio
Despite a less dominant season for the club, Real Madrid saw Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham all earn nominations, underscoring their individual brilliance even amid broader team inconsistencies.
Other Awards & Categories to Watch
- Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Includes Yamal, Doué, João Neves, Pau Cubarsí, and others.
- Coach of the Year (Johan Cruyff Trophy): Nominees include PSG’s Luis Enrique, Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca, Liverpool’s Arne Slot, among others.
- Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Featuring Donnarumma (PSG), Courtois (Real Madrid), Alisson (Liverpool), and others.
- Club of the Year: Includes nominees like Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Botafogo.
Conclusion
As the football world awaits the Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22, 2025, the landscape feels utterly transformed. This year, meritocracy rules: PSG’s dominance shines with a record nine nominations, spotlighting Ousmane Dembélé as the standout favorite after a sensational treble-winning season and even securing endorsements from coach Luis Enrique and former international Emmanuel Petit.
But Dembélé isn’t alone at the top. Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy from Barcelona, has stormed into the conversation with breathtaking consistency topping power rankings and betting markets alike. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer from Chelsea has emerged as a surprise contender thanks to a breakout Club World Cup performance that shot him into the top three.
Adding emotional weight to the mix is Scott McTominay, a narrative of quiet reinvention. His debut season at Napoli was extraordinary: Serie A title, MVP honors, and the first Scottish Ballon d’Or nominee in nearly 40 years.
In short, the Ballon d’Or 2025 field is as diverse and vibrant as ever featuring established superstars, rising youth, and Cinderella stories alike. Whether the award ends up honoring proven excellence, emerging talent, or football’s feel-good resurgence, it promises to be a ceremony deserving of its stage in Paris.
