Ballon d’Or 2025: All You Need to Know
The Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees have just been revealed, igniting global excitement. The ceremony is set to take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris . This prestigious recognition will honor the world’s best male and female footballers, as well as coaches, goalkeepers, youth players, and clubs .
Who Made the List?
Male Ballon d’Or Nominees
| Club/Nominee | Highlights & Context |
|---|---|
| PSG Stars | Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi among nine PSG players nominated after treble-winning campaign including Champions League . |
| Liverpool Quartet | Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz make the shortlist; Salah leads contenders . |
| Barcelona Heroes | Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Pedri join the race, boosting Barça’s strong presence . |
| Others | Stars like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham also feature . |
Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
Barcelona continues to dominate: Aitana Bonmatí eyeing a third straight win, while Alexia Putellas also features. The list spans top leagues—WSL, Liga F, Serie A, Frauen-Bundesliga—and includes NWSL talents like Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda, and more .
Australian standout Steph Catley earns her first nomination, representing Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League-winning squad .
Other Award Categories
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Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yamal is a favorite to win again .
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Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): 10 goalkeepers, including Liverpool’s Alisson, are in the running .
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Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique (PSG) competes with Hansi Flick (Barcelona); Sarina Wiegman leads the women’s race .
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Club of the Year: PSG, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Liverpool among the top contenders .
Contenders and Storylines
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Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): A campaign of 33 goals and 15 assists, Champions League hero with two assists in the final—arguably the frontrunner .
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Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): At age 17, his playmaking, dribbling superiority, and youth award credentials make him a sensational prospect .
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Raphinha (Barcelona): A stellar season with 34 goals and 25 assists, making him one of Europe’s most prolific players .
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Maintains a stellar record—consistent, deadly, and pivotal in Premier League success .
Key Takeaways
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Top Five Male Contenders
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Ousmane Dembélé
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Lamine Yamal
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Raphinha
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Mohamed Salah
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Lautaro Martínez, Jude Bellingham, others .
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Women’s Standouts
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Aitana Bonmatí
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Alexia Putellas
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Steph Catley
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Other NWSL and European stars .
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Special Category Highlights
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Kopa Trophy Favorite: Lamine Yamal
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Yashin Trophy Nominees Include: Alisson and other top goalkeepers
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Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique vs. Hansi Flick; Sarina Wiegman leads for women .
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Final Thoughts
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is rich with drama, featuring a dynamic mix of seasoned stars and rising teenagers. With PSG’s treble dominance, Liverpool’s consistency, and Barcelona’s blend of experience and youth, nominations across categories are as exciting as ever. Award night on September 22, 2025 in Paris promises to be a highlight of the football calendar.
