The countdown to football’s most prestigious individual award has begun, with France Football confirming that the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees will be officially unveiled on August 7, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
This year’s Ballon d’Or edition will once again spotlight both men’s and women’s football, with 30 nominees expected in each category.
Additional shortlists will be revealed for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Kopa Trophy (best young player), and Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer of the season).
As in previous editions, voting will be carried out by a panel of international journalists, one from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries for the men’s award and the top 50 for the women’s. Each journalist will rank their top 10 players, with points awarded accordingly to determine the winner.
Rodri of Manchester City claimed last year’s men’s Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season for club and country. However, the 2025 race is shaping up to be far more competitive.
Among the early frontrunners are Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation who lit up the Champions League and international stage, and Ousmane Dembélé, whose performances for PSG have been central to their European success.
Other big names expected to make the 30-man shortlist include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
All eyes now turn to August 7, when the full list of nominees will be revealed, igniting the final stretch of debates and predictions before the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is crowned.
