Ballon d’Or 2025: A Glimpse at the Nominees and Candidates for Football’s Most Prestigious Awards

The Ballon d’Or, an accolade steeped in history, is set to capture the footballing world’s attention once again. Scheduled for September 22 in Paris, the highly anticipated ceremony will unveil the winners of both the men’s and women’s awards, honoring the brightest stars in the sport. The nominees, a thrilling mix of talent and achievement, were revealed by France Football magazine, creating ripples of excitement among fans and analysts alike.

The Nominees

This year’s list sees 30 contenders in both the men’s and women’s categories, featuring a standout selection of players who have excelled in the past year. Names like Ousmane Dembélé, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Chloe Kelly, England’s celebrated forward, have made the cut, igniting discussions about who will take home the coveted golden trophy.

Men’s Contenders

Ousmane Dembélé, at 28, has become a linchpin for PSG, especially noted for his pivotal role in helping the club secure its first Champions League title. Dembélé was instrumental in orchestrating a treble for PSG, a feat that had eluded the club for years. His mesmerizing dribbles and incisive plays solidified his standing as one of the premier forwards in contemporary football.

The nominees list also features emerging star Lamine Yamal, whose dazzling displays lit up the Champions League and catapulted Barcelona to a Spanish league title. His inclusion highlights a shift towards recognizing fresh talent alongside established names in the sport.

Women’s Contenders

In the women’s category, Chloe Kelly’s recent performances have caught the eye of many. The 27-year-old was crucial for England during the UEFA Women’s European Championship, especially noted for scoring the decisive penalty in the final against Spain. Her journey with Arsenal, who clinched the women’s Champions League, adds another layer of accomplishment to her campaign for the Ballon d’Or.

Kelly faces stiff competition, notably from her English teammates Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, both of whom have significantly impacted women’s football in recent years. Not to be overlooked is Aitana Bonmatí, who has been a mainstay in Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football and already boasts the past two Ballon d’Or awards.

PSG Players in Focus

Eight PSG players join Dembélé on the list of nominees, reinforcing the team’s world-class talent. Among them are goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and forward Désiré Doué, both of whom delivered exceptional performances during the Champions League campaign, notably Doué’s two goals in a decisive 5-0 rout of Inter Milan.

The roster includes prolific talents like Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, both of whom have reshaped expectations with their goal-scoring prowess. Salah, for instance, was instrumental in leading Liverpool to a Premier League title with 29 league goals, emphasizing his invaluable contribution.

The Voting Process: How Winners Are Determined

The Ballon d’Or has been awarded since 1956 for men, with a dedicated women’s award initiated in 2018. The selection process is methodical: over 100 journalists from the top FIFA-ranked countries vote for their favorite players in a ranked order. Each journalist assigns points, with the player receiving the most points ultimately being declared the winner. This democratic yet competitive process sets the stage for intriguing results each year.

Other Noteworthy Nominations

The awards don’t stop at just players; coaches also contend for acknowledgment. Luis Enrique, PSG’s coach, and Sarina Wiegman, who has dazzled as the manager for the England women’s team, are among the nominees for best coach. The competition will be fierce in this category, underscoring the importance of strategic leadership in football.

Additionally, award categories will also see contenders for the Lev Yashin Award, designated for the best goalkeeper. Both Donnarumma and Hampton have shown exceptional skill and commitment in their positions, making them formidable candidates for this honor.

The Anticipation Ahead

With the event drawing near, football enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation and excitement, eager to witness who will emerge victorious in what is often described as the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. The spotlight on players from PSG and their rivals, coupled with rising stars and established legends, ensures that the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala is a must-watch event on any football lover’s calendar.