Ballon d'Or 2025: Who Will Be Crowned King of World Football Tonight?
The wait is finally over. Tonight, Monday September 22, football's most prestigious individual award will be handed out in France. The Ballon d'Or celebrates the finest men's and women's players from the past year, and this season the race feels more open than ever.
Rodri at last season's award with the trophy. Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Last year Manchester City midfielder Rodri lifted the trophy after powering his club to a fourth straight Premier League title and guiding Spain to victory at EURO 2024.
His commanding performances earned him UEFA's Player of the Tournament award and recognition as the very best.
But a serious ACL injury has kept him sidelined for much of the last twelve months, ending any hopes of back to back wins.
That clears the way for a new champion to emerge. Here are the players in the spotlight for tonight's ceremony.
The ceremony begins at 7PM UK time and fans can watch for free on L'Equipe's YouTube channel or directly on L'Equipe's website. It will also be shown on TNT Sports in the UK and streamed live via Discovery Plus.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool's Egyptian King
Salah with the Premier League trophy. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League
This could finally be the season Salah gets the reward his career deserves. At 33 years of age he has delivered his most productive campaign yet.
He carried Liverpool to the Premier League title in Arne Slot's first season in charge and broke records along the way.
Salah registered 47 goal involvements in 38 league matches, the most ever in that format, and matched Alan Shearer and Andy Cole's all time record which came in a longer 42 game season.
With eight straight seasons of at least 20 goals for Liverpool, there is a strong argument that Salah's Ballon d'Or is long overdue.
Ousmane Dembele – PSG's Redeemed Superstar
Dembele celebrates after scoring this season. Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
After years of frustration in Barcelona, Dembele has come home and delivered the season of his life.
For Paris Saint Germain he became the centerpiece of Luis Enrique's revamped attack, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists. He guided PSG to the Ligue 1 title and, more importantly, to their first ever Champions League triumph.
Success in Europe's premier competition often defines this award, which makes Dembele a leading candidate tonight.
Lamine Yamal – Barcelona's Teen Sensation
Yamal's football performance have earned him comparison to Lionel Messi. Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images
At only 17 years old, Yamal is already proving he belongs on this stage. His numbers are breathtaking for a player of any age.
He produced 18 goals and 25 assists while driving Barcelona to domestic silverware. He was the inspiration behind their unforgettable 4–3 El Clasico comeback in May and shone again in the Copa del Rey final.
Many believe Yamal will collect multiple Ballon d'Or trophies in the future. The question is whether his first could come sooner than expected.
Vitinha – PSG's Midfield Maestro
Vitinha with the Champions League trophy. Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Vitinha has emerged as one of the surprise names in contention this year. The Portuguese midfielder became essential to PSG's rhythm, linking play and enabling their attacking brilliance.
He contributed eight goals and five assists but his influence stretched far beyond statistics. He played a pivotal role in PSG's treble, including their breakthrough Champions League victory, and added the Nations League title with Portugal. His stock has never been higher.
Raphinha – Barcelona's Relentless Playmaker
Raphinha with the ball against Getafe. Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Raphinha has transformed from a squad option into one of Barcelona's most dangerous weapons. He produced 34 goals and 25 assists as Barcelona claimed both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.
In the Champions League he scored 13 times, finishing as joint top scorer, including three goals across a thrilling semi final with Inter Milan.
Barcelona's exit from Europe may count against him but his numbers are impossible to ignore.
Men's Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees
Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City)
Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter)
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)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain)
Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)
Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool)
Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter)
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)
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)