Ballon d’Or 2025: Who will be crowned The World's Best?

As the football world turns its attention to the most prestigious individual awards in the sport, the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or is as captivating as ever. With a star-studded list of nominees, the ceremony is set to honor the male and female players who delivered unforgettable performances over the past season. From history-making goalscorers to championship-winning leaders, we dive into the remarkable achievements of the top contenders vying for football's ultimate individual prize.

MEN'S BALLON D'OR CONTENDERS

Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain)

Ousmane Dembele had a stellar season, playing a key role in helping Paris St-Germain win Ligue 1 and, for the first time in club history, the Champions League. With 35 goals and 14 assists in 53 games, his 49 goal contributions made him a force to be reckoned with. The 28-year-old was named the Champions League's player of the season after scoring eight goals and adding six assists in the tournament, including two assists in the 5-0 final win.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

England's record goalscorer, Harry Kane, won the first major trophy of his career by leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title. The 32-year-old netted 41 goals in 51 games, including three hat-tricks, and added 12 assists, for a total of 53 goal contributions. His remarkable scoring run also included 10 goals in 11 days during September for both club and country.

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

In his first season with Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe dominated La Liga, ending the campaign as the top goalscorer with 31 goals. The French forward, who also scored a hat-trick to eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League, became only the third player in history to score 50 goals for France, solidifying his status as a national icon and a global superstar.

Raphinha (Barcelona)

Raphinha was instrumental in Barcelona's treble-winning season, which saw them claim the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana. The 28-year-old Brazil international had an incredible 56 goal contributions in 57 games, with 34 goals and 22 assists. He was named La Liga's player of the season and was also the joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah played a huge role in Liverpool's historic 20th English title win. With 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, his 47 goal contributions tied the record for the most in a 38-game season. The 33-year-old won the Golden Boot for the fourth time, a record he now shares with Thierry Henry. He was also named the Premier League's player of the year for a second time.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal was a pivotal part of Barcelona's Spanish treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana. The young winger, who was named to both the La Liga and Champions League teams of the season, scored 18 goals and added 21 assists. He was also a key player for Spain's national team, helping them to a third-place finish in the Nations League.

The best of the rest

The list of nominees also includes several other standout players. Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is the first Scot nominated for the award since 1987, after guiding Napoli to the league title. The Premier League is well-represented by Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, and Florian Wirtz. Cole Palmer of Chelsea is also in contention.

WOMEN'S BALLON D'OR CONTENDERS

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)

Two-time winner Aitana Bonmati is a strong contender to win the award for a third successive year. The Barcelona and Spain star is widely considered one of the world's best players, though her team missed out on the Champions League and lost to England in the Euro 2025 final. Despite these setbacks, her incredible talent and influence on the pitch make her a favorite.

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Alessia Russo has had a remarkable year, winning both the Champions League with Arsenal and the Euro 2025 title with England. The 26-year-old striker was the joint-top scorer in the Women's Super League and was named the Football Writers' Association's women's footballer of the year for her crucial goal-scoring and off-the-ball work.

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Alexia Putellas is in the running for a third Ballon d'Or, a feat she previously accomplished in 2021 and 2022. Despite a year that saw Barcelona miss out on the Champions League and Spain lose in the Euro 2025 final, Putellas still performed at an exceptionally high standard. The Spanish international had 16 goals and 11 assists as Barcelona secured a domestic treble.

Claudia Pina (Barcelona)

Claudia Pina enters the conversation after finishing as the Champions League's top scorer. The 24-year-old forward scored 24 goals for her club and added six for Spain. Her versatility as both a midfielder and forward, along with her ability to consistently make a difference, has put her among the favorites for the award.

Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)

Chelsea full-back Lucy Bronze had a spectacular year, winning the Women's Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup with her club, as well as the Euro 2025 title with England. Despite playing through a fractured tibia, Bronze was a consistent and influential presence on the pitch and even scored an emphatic penalty in the Euros quarter-final.

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

Mariona Caldentey made an immediate impact after joining Arsenal last summer. The Spanish international was a key player in the team's Champions League victory and was named the WSL's player of the year for her creative influence and goal-scoring ability. She was a constant threat on the pitch and even netted in the Euro 2025 final.

The best of the rest

The nominees for the women's Ballon d'Or also feature other standout players, including four more members of England's Euro 2025-winning squad: Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who had a heroic Euro campaign; Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning spot-kick in the final; and Lionesses captain Leah Williamson.