Ballon d’Or 2025: Nominees to Be Unveiled on August 7

France Football has confirmed that the official list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, both men’s and women’s, will be released on August 7. The grand awards night is set for September 22 at Paris’ iconic Théâtre du Châtelet.

This year’s event will spotlight individual excellence across the global game, with honors extending beyond the main Ballon d’Or to include:
– Yashin Trophy: best goalkeeper
– Kopa Trophy: best U21 player
– Gerd Müller Trophy: top scorer

Current Top Contenders
The current top 5 Ballon d’Or power rankings are:

1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): 35 goals, 15 assists. Dembélé’s breakout year saw him lead PSG to a historic quadruple, including the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): 21 goals, 26 assists. At just 17, Yamal has already reshaped expectations with outstanding performances for Barcelona and Spain.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona): 39 goals, 25 assists. Raphinha’s stellar season contributed decisively to Barça’s domestic treble.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): 36 goals, 24 assists. Salah led Liverpool to a Premier League title, though European failures dent his campaign.
5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): 45 goals, 7 assists. Despite strong stats, Madrid’s poor finish may hold him back.

Fun Facts
– The Ballon d’Or was first awarded in 1956 and was won by Stanley Matthews.
– Lionel Messi holds the record with 8 Ballon d’Or titles.
– Cristiano Ronaldo has the most top 3 finishes with 13 times.

About the Contenders
– Ousmane Dembélé: Known for being ambidextrous, Dembélé can shoot and pass with both feet and speaks six languages.
– Lamine Yamal: Turned pro at 15, Yamal is dubbed the “new Messi” by Spanish media and is known for his incredible dribbling and vision beyond his years.