Ballon d'Or 2025 – Who’s in the Running?
If you love football, the Ballon d'Or is the biggest personal award you can chase. Every year the best player on the planet gets the golden trophy, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions. From Messi’s swan‑song run to the breakout stars of the Premier League and La Liga, the shortlist reads like a dream team.
First off, the nominees. France Football announced a list of 30 players in early June. The big names include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Vinícius Júnior. A few dark horses also made the cut: Jude Bellingham, João Cancelo, and Harry Kane. All of them have logged at least 15 goals or 10 assists in the last season, and most have helped their clubs win major trophies.
How the Vote Works
The voting system is simple but powerful. A panel of journalists from around the world each picks their top five players. They give 5 points to their favorite, 4 points to the second, and so on down to 1 point. Then, the national team coaches and captains add their own five‑player rankings. All points are added together, and the player with the highest total wins the Ballon d'Or.
Because the vote mixes journalists, coaches and captains, it balances on‑field performance with reputation. That’s why a player who wins the Champions League, like Haaland, can outscore a goal‑machine who stays in a less‑visible league.
What the Numbers Say
Look at the stats from the 2024‑25 season. Messi scored 32 goals in La Liga and added 12 assists, while also guiding Inter Miami to a solid MLS finish. Mbappé hit 28 goals for PSG and had a 0.78 goals‑per‑game ratio in the Champions League. Haaland, on the other hand, broke the Premier League record with 36 goals in 35 matches and helped Manchester City clinch the league title.
When you compare these numbers with the voting weight, it’s clear why the race is tight. De Bruyne’s 20 assists make him a strong candidate for the midfield vote, while Bellingham’s all‑round play for Real Madrid has impressed both journalists and teammates.
One thing is certain: the ceremony will be streamed live on the France Football website and on major sports networks worldwide. Expect a sleek stage in Paris, a red‑carpet walk‑out, and a few surprise performances. If you miss the live broadcast, you can catch the highlights on YouTube within a day.
So, who should you bet on? If you love a storybook ending, Messi’s third or fourth Ballon d'Or feels right. If you prefer the excitement of a new champion, Haaland’s record‑breaking season gives him the edge. And if you’re all about the beautiful midfield play, De Bruyne could finally get his long‑awaited reward.
Whatever the outcome, the 2025 Ballon d'Or will add another chapter to football history. Keep an eye on the social feeds, because once the shortlist is out, the debate heats up instantly. By the time the ceremony rolls around in early December, you’ll already know who you think deserves the golden ball – and you’ll be ready to celebrate (or commiserate) with the rest of the world.
