The race for the Ballon d Or 2025 is set to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. For the first time in decades, none of the former winners are among the 30 nominees, signaling the beginning of a new era in world football. The prestigious ceremony will take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the best player of the 2024/25 season will be honored.
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Leading Contenders for Ballon d Or 2025
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
The 28-year-old French forward has emerged as a strong favorite after leading PSG to a historic treble, winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League. Dembélé registered 37 goals and 14 assists in 59 appearances, making him one of the most decisive players in Europe.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 18 years old, the Spanish prodigy has stunned the football world with 18 goals and 25 assists during Barcelona’s successful campaign, which included the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. He also won the UEFA Champions League Goal of the Season award. If crowned, Yamal would become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history, breaking Ronaldo Nazário’s record.
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese midfielder has been the heartbeat of PSG’s midfield, excelling with his creativity, control, and defensive contributions. Vitinha played a central role in PSG’s treble-winning season and also guided Portugal to Nations League glory, making him one of the standout candidates.
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Full List of 30 Nominees for Mens Ballon d Or 2025
- Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
- Ousmane Dembele (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter Milan)
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund)
- Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden, Sporting CP/Arsenal)
- Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain)
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)
- Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool)
- Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
- Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
- Scott McTominay (Scotland, Napoli)
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)
- Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)
- Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)
- Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)
- Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)
- Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
- Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
- Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Florian Wirtz (Germany, Leverkusen/Liverpool)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
FAQs
1. When will the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony take place?
The ceremony will be held on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
2. Who are the main favorites for the Ballon d’Or 2025?
The leading contenders are Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), and Vitinha (PSG) based on their outstanding 2024/25 seasons.
3. Can Lamine Yamal become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner?
Yes. At 18 years old, if Yamal wins, he will surpass Ronaldo Nazário’s record as the youngest winner of all time.
4. How many players have been nominated for the men’s award in 2025?
A total of 30 players from top clubs across Europe have been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or 2025.