Who are contenders for 2025 men’s & women’s Ballon d’Or awards?
The D’Or Awards ceremony, co-organised by Groupe Amaury and UEFA, will be held in Paris tonight at 8:00 PM CEST.
More than just an award show, this event transforms how football’s most prestigious individual honour is awarded and understood.
According to France Football, via UEFA, “Presented annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.”
Spotlight or Blind Spot?
This year’s shortlist reflects a shift in power in press and pitch. But it also exposes the gaps in recognition, especially for players outside dominant clubs and leagues.
According to the UEFA & Groupe Amaury joint statement, “Together UEFA and Groupe Amaury aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community.”
Men’s Race: Stats, Snubs, and Scheduling Conflicts
Leading Contenders and Their Numbers
Ousmane Dembele leads with 35 goals and 16 assists, while Lamine Yamal, who is the youngest nominee ever, leads with 18 goals and 25 assists.
However, Dembele won’t attend the ceremony due to a league match. His absence is not taken lightly. Now questions are being raised about the timing of these awards.
Mohamed Salah contributed with 47 goals. He matched the Premier League record and won Player of the Year.
However, his chances are still dim due to a lack of European silverware.
Notable Performances and Snubs
Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. posted elite numbers, 15 goals and 14 assists for Bellingham, 107 chances created by Vinícius, but remain under-discussed.
Jamal Musiala and Bradley Barcola were left off the list entirely.
France Football, via UEFA, “The Ballon d’Or is awarded by an international jury of specialised journalists, with one representative per country, from the top 100 nations in the latest FIFA rankings for men…”
Women’s Field: Familiar Faces, Fewer Surprises
Aitana Bonmatí and Alessia Russo lead the women’s race. Bonmatí’s midfield dominance continues, while Russo’s Euro win and Champions League run with Arsenal make her a strong contender.
Alexia Putellas returns, but her season lacked standout moments. Claudia Pina and Lucy Bronze had strong campaigns but received little media attention.
According to France Football, as cited by UEFA, “Three new categories celebrating the achievements of female players have been added in 2025: the Women’s Yashin Trophy, Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy and Women’s Kopa Trophy.”
These additions mark overdue progress. But the shortlist still leans heavily on Western European clubs, leaving other regions underrepresented.
Voting: Global Jury, Local Bias?
Voting remains unchanged with 100 journalists for men, 50 for women. Additionally, points range from 15 to 1 from first to tenth, but the process lacks transparency. There is no public vote breakdown provided, and deeper regional bias persists.
Players from around 17 countries earned nominations, but players from marginalised continents are still marginalised.
PSG and Barcelona’s dominance is raising questions about whether team success overshadows individual brilliance.
What does This List Really say?
It is all about who football chooses to celebrate. Youth, club dominance, and media narratives will drive the spotlight. However, the omissions remind us that performance alone doesn’t guarantee recognition. Let’s wait. As the ceremony starts tonight, the real story reveals who gets seen and who gets left behind.
