The nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or have officially been revealed, and this year’s list celebrates a mix of football’s finest. The prestigious ceremony, hosted by France Football in collaboration with UEFA, is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
At the forefront of the men’s nominations is Ousmane Dembélé, who enjoyed a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain. The French forward played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign, which included their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. With over 35 goals and more than 15 assists to his name, Dembélé has emerged as a frontrunner for the award.
Also making waves is Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid who is turning heads worldwide. Yamal’s outstanding performances in La Liga and the Champions League earned him not only a place on the Ballon d’Or shortlist but also a nomination for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21. His technical brilliance and maturity on the field have marked him as one of the brightest prospects in modern football.
Mohamed Salah has also earned a well-deserved spot on the list, following another prolific season with Liverpool. The Egyptian forward was instrumental in securing a Premier League title for the Reds and continued to deliver top-tier numbers in both goals and assists.
The men’s category also features a host of other star players. Raphinha had a standout season with over 50 goal contributions for Barcelona. Scott McTominay, now with Napoli, surprised many with a 12-goal haul and a crucial role in their Serie A title win. Other big names such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Virgil van Dijk, and Gianluigi Donnarumma are all included, further underlining the depth of talent on display this year.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí is aiming to make history. The Barcelona midfielder is in contention to win her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, a feat that would solidify her status as one of the greatest players of her generation. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and influence results at the highest level continues to set her apart.
Bonmatí is joined by fellow Spaniards Alexia Putellas and Mariona Caldentey, both of whom have enjoyed impressive seasons. Caroline Weir stands out as Real Madrid’s sole nominee, showcasing her quality throughout the year. A particularly noteworthy inclusion is Vicky López, who has become the first Spanish female footballer to be nominated for the Kopa Trophy, reflecting the growing strength of Spain’s women’s football program.
International talent also features prominently in the women’s category. Sweden’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) and forward Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) have both earned nominations, adding a Scandinavian presence to the list.
Beyond the main awards, several other honors will be presented during the ceremony. These include the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player, the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, the Gerd Müller Trophy for top goalscorer, and the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach in both men’s and women’s football. The Club of the Year award will recognize the top-performing football institutions, while the Sócrates Award will highlight outstanding social impact initiatives in the sport.
With anticipation building ahead of the gala in Paris, fans and analysts alike are speculating on who will take home the game’s most coveted individual honor. Whether it’s Dembélé’s triumphant season, Yamal’s meteoric rise, or Bonmatí’s bid for a historic third win, the 2025 Ballon d’Or promises to be one of the most competitive and compelling editions in recent memory.
