Highlights
- The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Paris on 22 September 2025.
- Top footballers, including Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, are among the strongest contenders.
- The award celebrates the best male and female players, coaches, young stars, and goalkeepers.
- Ousmane Dembele is the favourite after PSG’s treble-winning season.
- Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, adds suspense to the race.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award. It recognizes the best players in the world for their exceptional achievements during a season. The award is presented in collaboration with UEFA and Groupe Amaury, the owner of France Football and L’Equipe.
Ceremony Details
The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place on Monday, 22 September 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The event will honour the best players, coaches, goalkeepers, and top scorers from the 2024/25 season.
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History of the Award
- Lionel Messi holds the record with 8 Ballon d’Or titles.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has won 5 times and received the most nominations (18).
- Both legends have dominated for over a decade, but this year brings fresh names to the spotlight.
The 2025 Nominees
Some of the biggest names on the list include:
- Ousmane Dembele (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- And many more top talents across Europe.
Strong Contenders
Ousmane Dembele – The Favorite
Ousmane Dembele has had a near-perfect season with PSG. He won the treble, was named Champions League Player of the Tournament, and delivered incredible attacking numbers. Analysts believe he is the clear favourite for the award.
Lamine Yamal – The Young Challenger
At just 18, Lamine Yamal is seen as the heir to Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt at Barcelona. His goals, assists, and match-winning performances have made him a favourite for football romantics. His rise has brought excitement and suspense to the award race.
Other Names to Watch
- Kylian Mbappe had an inconsistent season despite his talent.
- Cole Palmer impressed with Chelsea but lacked major trophies.
- Mohamed Salah had a great Premier League season but less international impact.
- Vitinha was crucial for PSG’s balance, though less flashy.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shined individually but Napoli struggled as a team.
What Experts Say
Most football experts and betting platforms suggest that Ousmane Dembele may finally break the long dominance of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. But the extraordinary story of Lamine Yamal still leaves room for surprises.
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