FULL LIST: Dembele leads Ballon d’Or 2025 race after PSG’s Champions League triumph

France Football has confirmed that the complete list of nominees for the 2025 men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or will be unveiled on August 7, sparking anticipation for football’s most prestigious individual award.

The announcement will set off weeks of intense speculation and debate, culminating in the awards ceremony at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22.

This edition of the Ballon d’Or will maintain the same structure as in recent years, with equal focus on men’s and women’s football. In addition to the Ballon d’Or major awards, nominees will also be announced for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Kopa Trophy (best young player), and the Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer of the season).

As always, the Ballon d’Or selection process will involve a carefully chosen panel of international journalists.

One journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s rankings will cast votes for the men’s award, while the top 50 countries will participate in voting for the women’s award.

Each voter will rank their top 10 players, with points awarded based on the position of each player.

The player with the highest cumulative score will be crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.

While the field remains wide open, two players have emerged as leading contenders: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.

Both have enjoyed standout seasons and are considered serious threats to succeed last year’s winner, Rodri, who captured the award following an exceptional campaign with Manchester City and Spain.

But Yamal and Dembele aren’t the only names to watch. With stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Vinícius Júnior also expected to feature among the Ballon d’Or nominees, the competition is fierce.

Performances in major tournaments, such as the Champions League and Euro 2024, will be pivotal in shaping final perceptions.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at the top 5 Ballon d’Or power ranking as we edge closer to football’s most prestigious individual award:

5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists
Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Despite big goals and individual brilliance, Real Madrid’s late-season collapse hurt his Ballon d’Or ambitions.

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists
Trophies: Premier League
Back to his best under new management, Salah led Liverpool to the league title, though European failures dent his case.

3. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
Barcelona’s standout attacker in their domestic treble. Raphinha’s consistency and end product make him a top contender.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
At just 17, Yamal has taken over Spanish football. Despite the Nations League final loss, he remains Barca’s brightest star.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)