The 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will take place on September 22, with the world’s top men’s and women’s footballers vying for the sport’s most prestigious individual honours.
Unlike in previous years, players will not be able to use the opening months of the current season to boost their case, as the awards will be based strictly on performances from the 2024/25 campaign.
Paris Saint-Germain’s historic maiden Champions League triumph has boosted the chances of French winger Ousmane Dembélé, considered the leading favourite. However, strong individual displays from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Mohamed Salah mean European silverware alone may not be the deciding factor.
In the women’s category, England’s Euro 2025 triumph and Arsenal’s Champions League success have placed Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson among the frontrunners. They face competition from Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Mariona Caldentey, who were also standout performers last season.
The ceremony is expected to draw global attention as football fans await to see which stars will be crowned the best in the men’s and women’s game.
