The countdown is on for the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony, set for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Every year, this award sparks debate, excitement, and controversy, and this edition is shaping up to be no different.
Unlike past versions, the Ballon d’Or now covers the seasonal calendar (2024-25), which puts extra weight on recent form and club achievements. That means Champions League nights, league titles, and international tournaments all factor into the decision.
The Main Contenders
Ousmane Dembélé – PSG
The French winger has reinvented himself at Paris Saint-Germain, delivering consistent brilliance in Ligue 1 and Europe. His pace, creativity, and big-match performances make him one of the top favorites. If PSG’s domestic and European success is heavily valued, Dembélé could walk away with his first Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
At just 18, Yamal is rewriting the definition of a teenage prodigy. His goals, assists, and maturity on the pitch have carried Barcelona through key matches. Beyond stats, his story as a breakout star adds to his case, and voters often love a narrative of youth shaking up the football world.
Other Notables
Names like Mohamed Salah, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha are also in the mix. Each has had a season filled with decisive moments, but the challenge for them will be whether their achievements outshine the headline seasons of Dembélé and Yamal.
The PSG Dilemma
A wrinkle in this year’s Ballon d’Or: Le Classique between PSG and Marseille was rescheduled to the same night as the gala. That means some PSG stars, including Dembélé, may miss the ceremony entirely.
While absences don’t affect the actual vote, perception and visibility matter. If Dembélé isn’t there to accept the spotlight, it could subtly shift momentum in favor of other candidates. Football history has shown that narrative and presence often sway opinions as much as stats.
Women’s Ballon d’Or and Expanded Awards
This year also brings greater recognition for women’s football. Alongside the Women’s Ballon d’Or, new categories such as the Women’s Yashin Trophy, Women’s Kopa Trophy, and Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy highlight the growing global spotlight on the women’s game. It’s a welcome move that gives more players deserved recognition on the biggest stage.
My Take: The Deciding Factor
The 2025 race feels like a battle between Dembélé’s experience and impact and Yamal’s youthful rise to stardom. If PSG’s season dominance holds sway, Dembélé has the edge. But if voters are swayed by the narrative of a teenager taking over world football, Yamal could become the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner.
The deciding factor may come down to Champions League influence. Historically, the award tends to favor players who made the biggest impact in Europe’s top competition. Whoever stood tallest on those nights could very well lift the trophy in Paris.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or is more than just a trophy – it’s a statement about football’s present and future. Whether it’s Dembélé finally getting his moment, Yamal announcing a new era, or a surprise winner breaking through, the 2025 ceremony promises drama.
One thing is certain: this year’s Ballon d’Or will be remembered as a turning point in football’s story.
