The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up with a stacked list of 30 exceptional footballers from around the globe. From veterans to rising stars, this year’s nominees have left their mark across Europe’s top competitions with unforgettable performances, goals, and leadership.
Here’s a complete breakdown of each nominee and why they earned their place on football’s most prestigious shortlist:
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
The French winger played a vital role in PSG’s Champions League triumph. Known for his blistering pace and creativity, Dembélé is a strong favorite this year.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
At just 22, Bellingham has dominated midfield battles in La Liga and Europe. His goals, maturity, and consistency make him one of the brightest stars of the new generation.
Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
Only 17, Yamal is already a global sensation. With incredible goals and assists, he’s been a game-changer for Barça in both league and international matches.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé continues to prove himself as one of the world’s elite forwards. Now at Real Madrid, he’s remained lethal in front of goal and influential on the biggest stages.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
A model of consistency, Salah continues to deliver top-tier performances for Liverpool, racking up goals and assists with his signature style.
Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
The Brazilian winger played a crucial role for Barcelona this season, combining flair and efficiency in key matches.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice has been a midfield rock for Arsenal, leading with power, defensive solidity, and smart distribution.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Serie A’s top scorer, Lautaro has led Inter’s attack with clinical finishing and excellent movement.
Scott McTominay (Napoli)
One of the surprise nominees, McTominay had a breakout season in Italy, stepping up with goals and commanding midfield performances.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane’s move to Bayern hasn’t slowed his scoring — he remains a top-tier striker with a brilliant football brain.
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
A threat on the left wing, Vini Jr. dazzles with his speed, dribbling, and impact in key moments for Real Madrid.
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
The Argentine midfielder has impressed with his intelligence, creativity, and work rate in Liverpool’s midfield.
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hakimi continues to be one of the most dangerous full-backs in the world, providing both defensive solidity and attacking runs.
Pedri (FC Barcelona)
Pedri’s vision, composure, and technical skill have made him the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield.
Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)
The veteran striker is still going strong, finishing chances with ruthless efficiency and experience.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer’s breakout year at Chelsea has been filled with spectacular goals and game-winning contributions.
Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
A physically dominant right-back, Dumfries is known for his powerful runs and solid defensive play.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the world’s best goalkeepers, Donnarumma was a key figure in PSG’s success with crucial saves.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Georgian winger brought flair, unpredictability, and creativity to PSG’s attack this season.
Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
A rising star, Doué had a breakout season as an attacking midfielder, making waves with maturity beyond his years.
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
An all-around midfielder with elegance and technical ability, Vitinha was central to PSG’s control in midfield.
João Cancelo (Manchester City)
The versatile full-back continues to shine with his passing, positioning, and creativity from the backline.
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Valverde’s energy, vision, and work rate make him indispensable to Real Madrid’s dynamic midfield.
Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
The Frenchman remains a brilliant playmaker and finisher, leading Atlético’s attack with experience and flair.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Silva’s intelligence, ball control, and versatility make him a standout player in City’s well-oiled machine.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
A natural leader in midfield, Kimmich’s tactical awareness and passing precision continue to shine in Germany.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno remains United’s most creative player, delivering assists, goals, and leadership from midfield.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
One of England’s brightest stars, Saka combines speed, skill, and decision-making to deadly effect on the wing.
Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
As Arsenal’s captain, Ødegaard has led with vision, precision passing, and calm control under pressure.
Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
The explosive Portuguese winger dazzled Serie A with his pace, flair, and spectacular goals.
A New Generation, A New Era
With a thrilling blend of youth and experience, this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist signals a generational shift. Whether it’s Yamal’s rise, Bellingham’s brilliance, or Dembélé’s domination—2025 is set to crown a new king of world football.
Who will take home the golden ball? The world will find out on 22 September 2025.
