The wait is finally over! The official shortlist for the Ballon d’Or 2025 has been unveiled, and it’s packed with global football superstars. From Paris to Madrid, London to Spain, fans are buzzing with excitement ahead of the awards ceremony set for Monday, September 22, 2025, in Paris.
After an unforgettable 2024/2025 football season, full of jaw-dropping goals, historic titles, and individual brilliance, the Golden Ball is up for grabs, and this year’s contenders are hotter than ever.
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Who are the top Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees?
Leading the pack is Ousmane Dembele, who had a phenomenal season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), scoring 37 goals and providing 16 assists to guide the French side to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. With a treble-winning season under his belt, the Frenchman is tipped as the frontrunner.
Not far behind is Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose electrifying Champions League performances and domestic flair have made him one of the youngest ever favourites for the award. And let’s not forget Vitinha, the midfield maestro for PSG, who was central to both club and country’s success.
Full Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees List:
- Ousmane Dembele (PSG) – Treble winner, 37 goals, 16 assists
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – Barca’s brightest star, 18-year-old wonder
- Vitinha (PSG) – Dominated midfield, led PSG & Portugal to titles
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – Premier League champion, 36 goals
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – 46 goals, hat-trick vs Man City
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – 48 goals, Bundesliga champion
- Scott McTominay (Napoli) – Title-winning midfielder, 13 goals
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – Key to Champions League triumph
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – 30 goal involvements, 26 clean sheets
- Desire Doue (PSG) – Scored brace in UCL final, 32 goal involvements
- Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) – 63 goals in all competitions
- Erling Haaland (Man City) – 34 goals, but no major trophies
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – 44 goals, rejuvenated under Flick
- Raphinha (Barcelona) – 64 goal involvements, La Liga champion
- Joao Neves (PSG) – New midfield general, instrumental in treble
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 43 goal involvements, Bundesliga winner
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – Star in Conference League and Club World Cup
- Pedri (Barcelona) – Injury-free brilliance, Copa del Rey hero
- Nuno Mendes (PSG) – 7 goals, 12 assists from left-back
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – 30+ contributions, but no major trophies
- Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) – Electric first half, but faded late
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – Midfield glue in title-winning side
- Declan Rice (Arsenal) – Commanding midfield presence
- Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) – 31 goal contributions for Leverkusen
- Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund) – 38 goals, including hat-trick vs Barcelona
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter) – 24 goals, but trophyless
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG/Napoli) – 15 goals, 13 assists, double title wins
- Denzel Dumfries (Inter) – 17 goal involvements, UCL finalist
- Fabian Ruiz (PSG) – Key midfielder, UCL semi-final hero
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – Defensive rock, Premier League champion
Who are the favourites?
Right now, Dembele, Yamal, Vitinha, and Raphinha are all being touted as serious contenders for the crown. However, with so many impressive stats, including Gyokeres’ 63 goals and Harry Kane’s long-awaited silverware, it could be anyone’s year.
When is the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony?
The awards night will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Paris, France. The world will be watching as the next winner of the Ballon d’Or is crowned.
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