When is the big day? This year, football’s most prestigious awards ceremony, the Ballon d’Or 2025, will unfold in the heart of Paris on September 22—a date football fans across the world are already circling on their calendars.
France Football recently unveiled the exciting lineup: 30 men’s and 30 women’s top-performers are in the running, promising a night to remember.
What’s Inside the Nominees List?
Several standout stars are in the spotlight:
- Ousmane Dembélé, PSG’s dynamic winger, whose inspiring form drove the club to its first ever Champions League trophy and a clean treble.
- Lamine Yamal, the teenage Barcelona sensation, whose dazzling performances lit up the Champions League and helped secure La Liga.
On the women’s side, Chloe Kelly is a focal point—her decisive Euro penalty sealed victory for England, and she played a major role in Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League win. She faces fierce competition from England teammates Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, as well as Aitana Bonmatí, a back-to-back winner.
PSG fans will cheer to see nine players nominated in the men’s category, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Désiré Doué, and Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia . Also featured among the top picks are Mo Salah for his league-winning goals tally and Kylian Mbappé, always a standout on the global stage.
Awards & Voting System
Here’s a quick rundown of the voting format and special awards:
- The Ballon d’Or has been awarded to men since 1956, and to women starting in 2018.
- Voting is conducted by journalists: one from each of the top 100 ranked FIFA nations (men), and one from the top 50 (women)
- Each journalist ranks players; points are assigned accordingly, and the player with the highest total wins.
Additionally, there’s recognition beyond the traditional:
- Best Men’s Coach: PSG’s Luis Enrique is nominated.
- Best Women’s Coach: England’s Sarina Wiegman is in the running.
- Best Goalkeepers: Donnarumma (men’s) is a leading candidate for the Lev Yashin Award, while Hannah Hampton is among the five nominees for the women’s counterpart.
Why Fans Are Buzzing
- Historic night in Paris — the setting alone adds glamour to the spectacle.
- Star-studded nominees — with top names from PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Spain, England, and more.
- Women’s game in the spotlight — showcasing talent and power across both categories.
- Unique awards — honoring not just players, but coaches and goalkeepers too.
Highlights at a Glance
- Venue & Date: Paris, September 22, 2025
- Nomination Count: 30 men, 30 women
- Top Men’s Names: Dembélé, Yamal, Salah, Mbappé, Donnarumma, Doué, Kvaratskhelia
- Top Women’s Names: Kelly, Bronze, Hampton, Bonmatí
- Special Awards: Coaches (Enrique, Wiegman), Goalkeepers (Yashin contenders)
FAQ
Q: Who revealed the Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees?
A: France Football magazine unveiled the list, as reported by Times of India.
Q: How are winners decided?
A: Journalists from FIFA’s top-ranking countries vote by ranking candidates. Points are tallied to determine winners.
Q: Are there awards beyond the main trophies?
A: Yes. There are categories for Best Coach and Best Goalkeeper (Lev Yashin Award) in both men’s and women’s football.
Q: Why is Chloe Kelly a nominee?
A: Her decisive role in England’s Euro win (scoring the winning penalty) and her contribution to Arsenal’s Champions League title made her a standout.
Q: Who might win the men’s award?
A: It’s wide open, but standout performances from Dembélé, Yamal, Salah, and Mbappé put them among the favorites. Plus PSG’s dominance in nominations speaks volumes.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Ballon d’Or 2025 promises to celebrate the sport’s brightest stars in a night full of honor, flair, and storytelling. Whether you’re rooting for established heroes or thrilling young talents, this ceremony is shaping up to be unforgettable.
Get ready for a dazzling September in Paris. See you at the awards!
