Some of the world’s top football stars have been named on the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or — the highest individual award in football.
In the past, great players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Johan Cruyff have won the golden ball. Messi holds the record with eight Ballon d’Or titles, three more than Ronaldo.
Last year, Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri made history by becoming the first City player to win the award. He enjoyed a brilliant year, winning the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, and later helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2024.
Now, the race for the 2025 title is on, and 30 top players from clubs across Europe and beyond have been shortlisted.
Full List of 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominees:
- Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona, France)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG, Italy)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
- Desire Doue (PSG, France)
- Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan, Netherlands)
- Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Guinea)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
- Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal, Sweden)
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG, Georgia)
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland)
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, Argentina)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, Argentina)
- Scott McTominay (Napoli, Scotland)
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
- Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal)
- Joao Neves (PSG, Portugal)
- Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England)
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
- Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
- Fabian Ruiz (PSG, Spain)
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
- Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
- Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, Germany)
- Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
Top Contenders for 2025 Ballon d’Or
PSG stars Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are among the favourites after helping their team win the French league and the UEFA Champions League.
Mohamed Salah is also a strong candidate after an amazing season for Liverpool, where he scored 29 goals and gave 18 assists — a Premier League record for total goal contributions.
Young Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is one of the rising stars on the list, while Scott McTominay had an excellent season with Napoli, winning the Serie A title and being named Serie A Player of the Year.
When Will the Winner Be Announced?
The winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be announced on Monday, 22 September, at a special ceremony in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Players with the Most Ballon d’Or Wins:
- Lionel Messi – 8: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 5: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
- Michel Platini – 3: 1983, 1984, 1985
- Johan Cruyff – 3: 1971, 1973, 1974
- Marco van Basten – 3: 1988, 1989, 1992
- Franz Beckenbauer – 2: 1972, 1976
- Ronaldo Nazario – 2: 1997, 2002
- Alfredo Di Stefano – 2: 1957, 1959
- Kevin Keegan – 2: 1978, 1979
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2: 1980, 1981
The 2025 Ballon d’Or promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several deserving stars in the running for the game’s top individual honour.