“Who Will Reign? Ballon d’Or 2025 Set for a Night of Magic in Paris”

The countdown is on for football’s grandest individual prize, as the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony takes place on Monday, September 22, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

The global spectacle kicks off at 20:00 WAT (8pm Nigeria time), with millions set to tune in. Nigerian fans can catch the full broadcast live on Supersports, while other networks will beam the event worldwide.

This year’s 30-player shortlist mixes established stars and rising sensations, including Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, and Vinicius Junior.

Full list of nominees: Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Desire Doue, Denzel Dumfries, Serhou Guirassy, Viktor Gyökeres, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Robert Lewandowski, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappé, Scott McTominay, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Michael Olise, Cole Palmer, Pedri, Raphinha, Declan Rice, Fabian Ruiz, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Vinicius Junior, Vitinha, Florian Wirtz, and Lamine Yamal.

For the first time, UEFA is co-organising the gala alongside France Football’s Amaury Group, expanding its prestige and reach. Beyond the main award, fans will also witness honours in categories like the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Muller Trophy (top scorer), Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach), and the Socrates Prize (for charitable impact), plus Club of the Year awards for both men’s and women’s football.