France Football has confirmed that the full list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or—both men’s and women’s categories—will be revealed on August 7, igniting excitement and speculation around the world’s most prestigious individual football accolade.
The official unveiling will kick off several weeks of anticipation, culminating in the much-anticipated awards ceremony at Paris’s historic Théâtre du Châtelet on September 22.
This year’s edition continues the now-established format, offering equal spotlight to both men’s and women’s football. Alongside the main awards, nominations will also be announced for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Kopa Trophy (best young player), and the Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer of the season).
As in past years, the selection process is entrusted to a carefully selected panel of international journalists. One journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s rankings will vote for the men’s award, while the top 50 countries will participate in the voting for the women’s category.
Each voter will be tasked with ranking their top 10 players, with points allocated based on each player’s position in the list. The player earning the highest cumulative score will ultimately be crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
While the competition remains wide open, two players have emerged as frontrunners: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.
Both have delivered exceptional seasons and are seen as strong challengers to last year’s winner, Rodri, who claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign with Manchester City and Spain.
However, the race is far from a two-horse contest. Big names such as Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Vinícius Júnior are also expected to be among the nominees, ensuring a tightly contested battle. Key performances in tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and Euro 2024 are expected to play a decisive role in shaping voters’ opinions.
As the announcement date draws near, here’s a look at the current Top 5 in the Ballon d’Or power rankings:
5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists
Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Despite impressive individual numbers, Real Madrid’s end-of-season struggles may have weakened Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or chances.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists
Trophies: Premier League
Revitalized under new management, Salah led Liverpool to the league title, though lack of success in Europe slightly dims his bid.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
The key man in Barcelona’s domestic treble. Raphinha’s productivity and consistency place him firmly in contention.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
A breakout star at just 17, Yamal has become central to Barça’s success. Despite falling short in the Nations League final, he remains a top-tier contender.
1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Stats: 35 goals, 15 assists
Trophies: UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
Having delivered his most complete season to date, Dembele was instrumental in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, making him the current front-runner in the Ballon d’Or race.
