2025 Ballon d’Or: New Era of Football Excellence as PSG and Barcelona Stars Battle for Glory

A New Chapter in Football’s Most Prestigious Award

The Ballon d’Or continues to generate significant headlines in the post-Messi and Ronaldo era, following Rodri’s triumph in 2024 when he emerged victorious over Vinicius Jr in a controversial ceremony that saw Real Madrid boycott the event in protest.

However, Rodri’s inability to defend his crown in 2025 due to a serious knee injury has opened the door for new contenders to claim the Golden Ball, making this year’s race particularly intriguing.

Leading Contenders

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite after his exceptional performances helped guide PSG to an impressive treble, including their first-ever Champions League trophy with a convincing 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich. The French champions also secured both Ligue 1 and their domestic cup.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has made history by being shortlisted, with the possibility of becoming the first teenager to win the prestigious award. His remarkable trajectory has caught everyone’s attention, and while he still has years ahead to achieve this feat, his current form makes him a serious contender for the 2025 award.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is another strong contender for a podium finish, having led the combined goals and assists charts across Europe’s major leagues while playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s dominant Premier League campaign.

Ceremony Details

The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, co-organised by UEFA and Groupe Amaury (proprietor of France Football and L’Équipe), will take place on Monday, 22 September at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The award, presented annually since 1956, remains the most distinguished accolade a footballer can receive.

British football will be well represented with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Scott McTominay all nominated for the men’s prize. The ceremony will also feature other prestigious awards, including the Men’s and Women’s Kopa Trophies for best young players and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper.