The football world buzzes with anticipation as the prestigious Ballon d'Or approaches. FIFA announced the 2025 nominees on August 7, sparking global debates from the US to the UK and across Africa. This year's list features familiar superstars, but one surprise inclusion dominates conversations. Consequently, this ceremony promises unprecedented excitement.
The Big Date: When and Where is the Ballon d'Or 2025?
Mark your calendars. The 69th annual Ballon d'Or ceremony occurs on Monday, September 22, 2025. It returns to Paris' iconic Théâtre du Châtelet. Importantly, judges will evaluate performances from the entire 2024-25 season (August 1, 2024-July 31, 2025). This format continues the shift from calendar-year assessment.
UEFA and Groupe Amaury (owners of France Football) again co-host the event. Their partnership, established in 2024, elevates the award's global prestige. The ceremony will crown both men's and women's Ballon d'Or winners. Additionally, it presents other accolades: the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), and new Johan Cruyff Trophy for top coaches.
Men's Ballon d'Or 2025: The Star-Studded Shortlist
Football's post-Messi/Ronaldo era creates an open race. The 30-man shortlist showcases dazzling talent from the 2024-25 season.
Leading Contenders:
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): His high-profile transfer amplifies this perennial favorite's chances.
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): The Brazilian winger remains a top contender after another sensational campaign.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): This teen prodigy delivered 21 goals and 26 assists, signaling future dominance.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): His midfield mastery makes him a strong candidate. Discover his journey in The Unstoppable Rise of Jude Bellingham.
- Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain): Many consider him a frontrunner after his masterful PSG campaign.
Other notable nominees include Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah, all coming off stellar seasons.
The Dark Horse: Scott McTominay's Incredible Journey
Scott McTominay's nomination emerges as the biggest story. The Scotland international makes history as the first Scottish male nominee since Ally McCoist in 1987.
McTominay's rise has been phenomenal. After his £25.7 million transfer from Manchester United to Napoli in August 2024, he became a midfield powerhouse.
- Serie A Champion: He drove Napoli to their fourth league title.
- Individual Accolades: His performances earned Serie A Player of the Month (April 2025) and the season MVP award.
- Goal Scoring Prowess: McTominay netted 12 goals in 34 league matches, including a title-clinching strike.
Remarkably, he transformed from Manchester United squad player (discussed in Thomas Tuchel to Manchester United: A New Era?) to Ballon d'Or nominee. Napoli fans now hail him as “McFratm” (McBrother), cementing his iconic status.
Women's Ballon d'Or and Global Interest
The Women's Ballon d'Or features an equally competitive field. Nominees include Aitana Bonmatí, Barbra Banda, and Arsenal's Champions League-winning stars. This expanded recognition highlights women's football's explosive growth.
Meanwhile, Google Trends shows massive “Ballon d'Or 2025” search spikes, particularly in the UK. Lamine Yamal's stats and McTominay's unexpected nomination drive this engagement. Fans increasingly analyze player performances – a key award criterion.
The transfer market also boosts visibility, explored in Premier League Clubs on Red Alert as Nico Williams' Release Clause is Revealed.
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Conclusion
Paris prepares for a memorable night. Established stars like Mbappé and Vinícius battle for supremacy, while McTominay's underdog story captivates fans globally. Ultimately, the 2025 Ballon d'Or shapes up as a landmark event. As September 22 approaches, one question remains: will experience triumph, or will a new king emerge?