France Football, organizers of the Ballon d’Or award, on Thursday, 7 August, 2025 released the nominees’ shortlist for the 2025 edition.
The list, which was determined by notable journalists across the continent, was published across their social media platforms.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or award ceremony will be held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, 22 September, 2025.
Full List of 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominees:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona, France)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG, Italy)
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 the 2025 Crown
Among the front-runners to succeed Rodri are PSG teammates Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, who played pivotal roles in the club’s domestic league triumph and Champions League success.
Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah is also a strong candidate after an incredible season where he netted 29 goals and provided 18 assists, breaking the Premier League record for most goal involvements in a single campaign.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Scott McTominay, now thriving at Napoli, are other standout names. The Scottish midfielder enjoyed a dream debut season in Italy, helping Napoli secure the Scudetto and earning the Serie A Player of the Year honour.
The winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on Monday, 22 September, 2025, during a glamorous ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
