The countdown is over. Tomorrow, September 22, 2025, the football world turns its eyes to Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet as the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony crowns the best player of the 2024/25 season. With legends, young stars, and global icons on the shortlist, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated editions in recent memory.

The Official Shortlist

France Football released the full 30-man nominee list earlier in August. The pool is star-studded, featuring:

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – the bookmakers’ favorite after a sensational season, shining in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – at just 18, the Spanish prodigy has stunned the football world with maturity beyond his years.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – still carrying Liverpool with goals and leadership, Salah remains Africa’s standout name.

Erling Haaland (Man City), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), and many others complete the elite field.

How the Winner Is Decided

The Ballon d’Or remains the most prestigious individual prize in world football. The process is crystal clear:

Journalists from across the globe each select their top 10 players from the shortlist.

A points system is applied (15 points for 1st, 12 for 2nd, 10 for 3rd, and so on).

The player with the highest overall score wins.

This year’s award considers performances from the 2024/25 season up until July 13, 2025, for the men’s edition.

Who Are the Front-Runners?

This edition feels wide open, but a few names stand taller:

Ousmane Dembélé – PSG coach Luis Enrique has openly praised his winger, calling 2025 “the season of his life.” Many pundits, including Emmanuel Petit, tip him as the favorite.

Lamine Yamal – Barcelona’s wonderkid has captured hearts worldwide. While his youth may work against him, his talent has sparked serious debate about whether he could be the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.

Mohamed Salah – nominated alongside three Liverpool teammates (Van Dijk, Mac Allister, and Wirtz), Salah remains the talismanic African force in global football.

Vinícius Júnior & Raphinha – both had remarkable campaigns with Barcelona and Real Madrid, making Spain a key battlefield for votes.

What Makes 2025 Special

Unlike recent years dominated by Messi, Benzema, or Haaland, the 2025 race feels unpredictable. With PSG, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Real Madrid all represented by key nominees, the award could tilt based on Champions League heroics and standout international displays.

The twist? For many insiders, this year’s ceremony could represent the passing of the torch from established names like Salah and Lewandowski to the new generation embodied by Yamal, Palmer, and Wirtz.

Final Word

Tomorrow night, under the bright lights of Paris, history will be written. Will it be Dembélé’s crowning moment? Could Yamal stun the world as the youngest ever? Or will an experienced star like Salah or Vinícius reclaim the spotlight?

The only certainty is this: the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be unforgettable.