Ballon d’Or 2025: Full List of 30 Nominees and Top Contenders

The Ballon d’Or 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable editions in recent years. For the first time in decades, no previous winners are included among the 30 nominees. This signals the beginning of a new era in world football, where rising stars and consistent performers are now leading the charge for the most prestigious individual prize in the sport.

The ceremony will be held on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the best player of the 2024/25 season will be officially crowned.

Leading Contenders for Ballon d’Or 2025

While all 30 players deserve credit for their outstanding performances, a few stand out as frontrunners based on their influence at club and international level.

Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)

The 28-year-old French forward has been in the form of his life. Playing a decisive role for PSG, he guided the French champions to a historic treble: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.

Stats 2024/25: 59 matches, 37 goals, 14 assists.

Known for his dribbling and ability to change games, Dembélé has finally reached the peak many expected years ago. With this dominance, he is considered one of the strongest candidates for the Ballon d’Or.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has captured global attention with his creativity, speed, and maturity beyond his age. He was central to Barcelona’s double-winning campaign, lifting La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Stats 2024/25: 18 goals, 25 assists.

He also earned the UEFA Champions League Goal of the Season.

If he wins, Yamal will become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever, breaking Ronaldo Nazário’s long-standing record.

Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

Often overshadowed by attacking stars, Vitinha has been the engine of PSG’s midfield. His creativity and ability to control the tempo made him vital to their treble run.

Club success: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League treble.

International success: Played a crucial role in guiding Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory.

Vitinha’s balance of defense and attack makes him one of the most complete midfielders in Europe and a genuine contender for the prize.

Full List of 30 Nominees for Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025

Here is the official list of players nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or:

Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)

Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)

Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)

Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter Milan)

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund)

Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden, Sporting CP/Arsenal)

Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)

Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain)

Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)

Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool)

Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan)

Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)

Scott McTominay (Scotland, Napoli)

Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)

João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)

Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)

Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)

Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)

Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)

Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)

Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)

Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)

Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)

Florian Wirtz (Germany, Leverkusen/Liverpool)

Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)

Why Ballon d’Or 2025 Is Special

Unlike past years, the 2025 edition has no Messi, Ronaldo, or Modrić in the running. The absence of former winners opens the door to a fresh generation of football superstars. Players like Bellingham, Vinícius, and Mbappé continue to shine, but the presence of breakout talents such as Yamal, Palmer, and Doué makes this year especially unpredictable.

This mixture of established stars and new names highlights how football is transitioning into a new chapter. The eventual winner will not just lift the trophy but also symbolize the rise of a new global football leader.