Today marks a thrilling milestone in the world of football
France Football has revealed the complete shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, in both the men’s and women’s categories. This announcement kicks off a month and a half of anticipation, analysis, and heated debate as fans and pundits await the awards ceremony, set for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
In the men’s race, there’s no runaway favorite—it’s shaping up to be one of the most open contests in years. PSG’s star winger Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off a stellar campaign of 35 goals and 15 assists and a historic Champions League triumph, is a front‑runner.
Yet Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, is challenging the narrative. At just 18, he registered 18 goals and 21 assists while lifting both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and his meteoric rise could sway the vote.
The competition doesn’t end there. Mohamed Salah enters the conversation after steering Liverpool to the Premier League crown, and Scott McTominay, fresh from an MVP‑caliber season with Napoli’s title run, also earned an unexpected nomination.
Other names frequently brought up include Raphinha, Mbappé, Kvaratskhelia, and Pedri, each with their own compelling case to win depending on how voters weigh individual brilliance versus team accomplishments.
On the women’s side, although past champions like Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas remain formidable, the field feels wide open, particularly after Barcelona’s setbacks in the Champions League and Spain’s loss in the Euros. New challengers such as Arsenal’s Mariona, and England’s Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly, are making strong cases for inclusion.
Beyond the main Ballon d’Or awards, France Football is also unveiling nominees for key honors like the Kopa Trophy (for top under‑21 talents), the Yashin (best goalkeeper), the Gerd Müller (top scorer), the Cruyff (best coach), the Sócrates (humanitarian efforts), as well as the best club and coach across both genders.
In short, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is electric, full of intrigue, youthful stars challenging established names, and no clear-cut favorites. The countdown to September’s ceremony has officially begun.