The full list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards has been unveiled ahead of the prestigious ceremony, scheduled for Monday, September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The men’s and women’s categories are dominated by standout performers from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, following their respective triumphs in the UEFA Champions League —men’s and women’s competitions respectively. Familiar names from Barcelona also feature prominently across the awards.
Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees
With last year’s winner Rodri missing out due to a long-term ACL injury, this year’s race is wide open. Among the frontrunners are:
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – A leading candidate after spearheading PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, capped with a 5–0 final victory over Inter Milan. PSG also secured a domestic treble. Lamine Yamal & Raphinha (Barcelona) – Integral to Barça’s domestic treble under Hansi Flick, though their lack of European success may hinder their chances.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – A strong early contender after Liverpool lifted the Premier League in Arne Slot’s debut season. However, failure in all cup competitions, including the Champions League, could count against him.
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees
Arsenal’s sensational run to a second Women’s Champions League title under Renée Slegers, along with key players lifting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 with England, has placed several Gunners among the favourites:
Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo & Leah Williamson (Arsenal/England) – Central to both club and national team glory.
Other major contenders include:
Award Holder Aitana Bonmatí, reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Pernille Harder, Mariona Caldentey and Sandy Baltimore.
Kopa Trophy Nominees (Best U21 Player)
Men’s Football: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – Looking to retain the award following a stellar season. However, Désiré Doué (PSG) – The young star shone during PSG’s Champions League campaign and poses a serious challenge to Yamal.
Women’s Football: Youngsters like Michelle Agyemang, Linda Caicedo, Wieke Kaptein, Vicky Lopez and Claudia Martinez Ovando make the list.
Yashin Trophy Nominees (Best Goalkeeper)
Men’s Football: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – The clear favourite, having anchored PSG’s treble-winning season. Other top nominees include: David Raya (Arsenal), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) and Alisson Becker (Liverpool).
Women’s Football: Women’s Football: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany and Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Spain and Barcelona), Hannah Hampton (England and Chelsea), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria and Brighton) and Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands and Arsenal) complete the list.
Coach of the Year Nominees
Men’s Football: Luis Enrique (PSG) – Champions League and domestic treble winner. Hansi Flick (Barcelona) – Guided Barça to a domestic treble. Arne Slot (Liverpool) – Delivered the Premier League title in his debut season. Antonio Conte (Napoli) – Won Serie A. Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) – Surprise nominee after UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs.
Women’s Football: Sarina Wiegman (England), Renée Slegers (Arsenal) and Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Brazil), and Justine Madugu (Nigeria) were nominated.
Club of the Year Nominees
Mirroring the standout individual performances, these clubs are front-runners for the Club of the Year award:
Men: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Botafogo.
Women: Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea amongst others.
When is the Ballon d’Or 2025 Ceremony?
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The event has been moved forward by a month compared to previous years.