The excitement around this year’s Ballon d’Or is officially building, as France Football has announced that the full list of nominees for both the men’s and women’s categories will be revealed on August 7, 2025.
Following the announcement, weeks of debate and speculation will lead up to the grand awards ceremony scheduled for September 22 at the renowned Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where football’s most prestigious individual honours will be handed out.
The format remains unchanged this year, giving equal spotlight to both male and female footballers. Alongside the main Ballon d’Or trophies, France Football will also unveil nominees for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Kopa Trophy (best young player), and the Gerd Müller Trophy (season’s highest goal scorer).
As in previous editions, voting will be conducted by an international panel of journalists. Each voter will submit their top 10 choices, with points allocated based on ranking. For the men’s award, journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations will cast their votes, while those from the top 50 nations will select the women’s winner. The player with the highest points total will take home the coveted golden ball.
While it’s still early to call, some frontrunners have already emerged, with Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele attracting much of the attention following standout campaigns.
Last year’s winner, Rodri, remains in contention after his exceptional year with Manchester City and Spain, but stiff competition from other global stars means nothing is guaranteed.
Yamal’s astonishing breakthrough season, where he registered 21 goals and 26 assists while guiding Barcelona to domestic success, has turned him into one of the brightest young stars in football. “At just 17, he’s already dictating games at the top level,” one analyst remarked.
Dembele, meanwhile, is widely seen as the current leader in the race after his most dominant season yet. His role in guiding PSG to an unprecedented Champions League title, alongside Ligue 1 and Coupe de France triumphs, has earned him widespread praise. “Dembele’s complete performance this year, both domestically and in Europe, puts him in pole position,” said a French football pundit.
But they aren’t the only names generating buzz. Real Madrid’s new signing Kylian Mbappe, Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah, and Barcelona’s Raphinha are also firmly in the mix. Each has had stellar campaigns, adding further intrigue to what promises to be one of the most competitive Ballon d’Or races in recent years.
Major tournaments like Euro 2024 and the Champions League have already played a key role in shaping public and expert opinions heading into the voting period.
5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- 45 goals, 7 assists
- Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Although Mbappé’s numbers remain exceptional, Real Madrid’s late-season stumble has somewhat weakened his Ballon d’Or bid.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- 36 goals, 24 assists
- Trophies: Premier League
Salah inspired Liverpool to another league title, but the team’s struggles in Europe have dented his overall case.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
- 39 goals, 25 assists
- Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
The Brazilian played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic treble and has been one of their most reliable performers throughout the season.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- 21 goals, 26 assists
- Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
At just 17 years old, Yamal’s phenomenal rise continues to capture global attention. His Nations League final loss has had a slight impact on his standing, but his overall brilliance keeps him in strong contention.
1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
- 35 goals, 15 assists
- Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
Dembele’s career-best season, capped by leading PSG to European glory, makes him the current favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
As the countdown begins, fans across the globe will be eagerly awaiting August 7 to see who makes the shortlist and who ultimately walks away with the game’s highest individual honour in September.
