Ballon d’Or 2025 Predictions: Can Lamine Yamal or Dembélé Win It All?
“Meanwhile, the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist has sent shockwaves through the football world, igniting intense debate and anticipation.”
This year’s nominees reflect a mix of experience, youth and raw talent—none more so than Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. With both club and international campaigns in mind, fans and experts alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner.
1. What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award, awarded annually by France Football since 1956.
“Specifically, it honors the best male footballer at both club and international level over a 12-month period.”
Selection is based on:
“Above all, the award emphasizes individual performance and statistics, highlighting players who consistently deliver goals, assists, impact, and leadership throughout the year.”
“In addition, team success plays a significant role—players who lead their clubs or national teams to major trophies often gain a competitive edge in the Ballon d’Or race.”
“Beyond statistics and silverware, sportsmanship and leadership are also valued—players who inspire teammates, lead by example, and uphold the spirit of the game earn deep respect from voters.”
“Global impact also plays a key role—players who transcend borders, influence the culture of the sport, and elevate football’s reach worldwide often leave a lasting impression on voters.”
2. When and where will the 2025 ceremony take place?
Date: September 22, 2025
Venue: Theatre du Chatelet, Paris
“The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony promises a glittering night, as the biggest football stars walk the red carpet while millions of fans across the globe tune in.”
3. Why Dembele and Yamal are making headlines
“While injuries have previously hampered his rise, Dembélé’s 2025 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain has been a statement year—his stats, flair, and tactical impact speak volumes.”
“Dembélé’s 35 goals and 15 assists in 2025 cemented his role as PSG’s offensive powerhouse.”
Led PSG to a historic treble in Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League
Reborn under Luis Enrique’s system
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Dominating the world stage at just 18
Key playmaker for Barca and Spain
Helped Spain win UEFA EURO 2024 with 4 goals and 3 assist
4. Full 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominee List
Here are the top 30 players shortlisted for the 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or:
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Erling Haaland (Man City)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Rodri (Man City)
- Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
- Phil Foden (Man City)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Pedri (Barcelona)
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
- Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
- Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
- Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
- Bernardo Silva (Man City)
- Ilkay Gündogan (Barcelona)
- Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
5. Former winners and their legacies
Most Ballon d’Or wins:
Lionel Messi – 8
Cristiano Ronaldo – 5
Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten – 3 each
Messi remains the record holder, and although now in MLS with Inter Miami, he continues to receive nominations due to his lasting impact and Copa America success.
6. Youngest player on the list
Lamine Yamal (18) – Youngest ever nominee for the Ballon d’Or
Jamal Musiala (22) – Stellar Bundesliga season
Jude Bellingham (22) – Scored 20+ goals in his first Real Madrid season
The new generation isn’t just arriving – they’ve already arrived.
7. Who is the favourite to win in 2025?
Leading contenders:
Dembele, for his triple-winning PSG season
Yamal, for his youth and Euro 2024 brilliance
Bellingham and Mbappe, for their dominance in La Liga
Rodri as a consistent midfield engine for club and country
It could be a battle of club trophies versus international glory – impact versus consistency.
8. Who was overlooked?
Fans are already debating the names left off the shortlist. Notable:
Cristiano Ronaldo – out after lack of great success in Saudi Arabia
Neymar – injury and form problems
Joao Felix, Gavi, Toni Kroos – narrowly missed the cut despite good seasons
9. How is the winner decided?
Voters include:
A journalist from each FIFA-affiliated country
National team captains and coaches
Points awarded based on player rankings
Most total points = Ballon d’Or winner.
10. What to expect from the 2025 ceremony
Expect glamour, legends, passionate speeches and some theatrics. Special performances and tributes to football’s greats are likely.
And of course—the reveal of who will win the Golden Ball.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive competitions in recent history. With Dembele’s stellar season and Yamal’s historic rise, the football world faces an exciting decision. Whether youth, legacy or stats win, one thing is for sure: the next Ballon d’Or winner will immortalise his name in football history.
