The football world is on the edge of its seat as the highly anticipated Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches. This Monday, the winners of the men’s and women’s awards will be unveiled at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and the buzz is palpable.
With a list of 30 nominees for the men’s category and an equally competitive lineup for the women, the spotlight is firmly on six key contenders for the 2024–25 season, each one showcasing extraordinary performances across Europe’s top leagues and international competitions.
Ousmane Dembélé: A Standout Year with Paris Saint-Germain
Ousmane Dembélé has had a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 28-year-old Frenchman played a pivotal role in PSG’s remarkable achievements, helping them win Ligue 1, their first-ever European championship, and securing a place in the Club World Cup final.
Dembélé’s performance in Ligue 1 was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 21 goals in 29 appearances, clinching the joint-top scorer title. He also delivered a series of incredible performances in the Champions League, where he notched up 8 goals and 6 assists, earning him the title of Player of the Season. His contributions helped PSG become European champions, with the icing on the cake being his key involvement in PSG’s successful campaign in the Club World Cup, where he scored vital goals against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Harry Kane: From Tottenham to Bayern Munich’s Goal Machine
Harry Kane’s first season at Bayern Munich has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since his £86m transfer from Tottenham, Kane has found the back of the net 41 times in 51 appearances, a tally that includes a series of hat-tricks.
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The 32-year-old striker played a crucial role in securing Bayern’s Bundesliga title, ending the season as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals. He also had a memorable performance on the international stage, scoring 10 goals in just 11 days for England in September, solidifying his position as one of the world’s most lethal forwards.
Kylian Mbappé: Dominating Spain with Real Madrid
After his move to Real Madrid from PSG, Kylian Mbappé has continued to elevate his game to new heights. The 26-year-old French forward enjoyed a stellar first season in La Liga, topping the league’s scoring charts with 31 goals, four ahead of Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
Mbappé’s highlights include his impressive performance in the Champions League, where his hat-trick against Manchester City in the knockout rounds helped propel Madrid into the next phase. He also became only the third player to score 50 goals for France, adding to his growing legacy as one of football’s brightest stars.
Raphinha: Barcelona’s Key Contributor
Raphinha’s contribution to Barcelona’s success in 2024-25 has been immense. The Brazilian winger played a crucial role in Barcelona’s La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España triumphs, scoring 18 goals and providing 9 assists in the league. His performances were key in securing La Liga’s player of the season award, and he also impressed in Europe, finishing joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals in 14 appearances.
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s Talisman
Mohamed Salah once again proved his worth as one of the best in the world. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward helped Liverpool clinch the Premier League title with 29 goals and 18 assists, earning him the prestigious Golden Boot for the fourth time in his career. Salah’s contributions also helped Liverpool reach the latter stages of the Champions League, though they were eventually knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.
Salah’s remarkable consistency, coupled with his leadership on the field, has earned him widespread recognition as one of the most influential players of the season.
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s Young Sensation
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has been making waves at Barcelona. The young winger’s incredible performances helped Barcelona secure a historic treble in Spain, and he was instrumental in their La Liga victory. Yamal’s skill and versatility were on full display as he scored twice in Spain’s Nations League semi-final win over France, even though his team ultimately lost out to Portugal in the final.
The Women’s Contenders: A Fierce Battle for Supremacy
On the women’s side, the competition is equally fierce, with Aitana Bonmati, Alessia Russo, and Alexia Putellas among the top contenders for the coveted Ballon d’Or.
Aitana Bonmati, a Barcelona stalwart, has already won two Ballon d’Or awards and is hoping to make it three, cementing her place as one of the world’s best. Despite challenges, including a tough defeat for Spain in the Euro 2025 final, Bonmati’s exceptional performances for Barcelona have made her a top candidate for this year’s award.
Alessia Russo of Arsenal had an exceptional season, winning the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year award. The striker was instrumental in Arsenal’s domestic and European success, scoring crucial goals throughout the season. She also helped lead England to victory in Euro 2025, further solidifying her standing as one of the best players in the world.
Alexia Putellas, another Barcelona star, has already won the Ballon d’Or twice and is aiming for a third. While her team fell short in the Champions League and Spain was defeated by England in the Euro final, her performances for Barcelona, including 16 goals and 11 assists, make her a strong contender for the prestigious award.
The women’s category is also strong with Claudia Pina, Lucy Bronze, and Mariona Caldentey all vying for a spot at the top, each having played crucial roles for their clubs and countries throughout the season.
The Countdown Begins: Who Will Take the Ballon d’Or Crown?
As the Ballon d’Or ceremony draws near, the anticipation for who will take home the top footballing honour intensifies. With a diverse group of top-tier players from across the globe, the competition is set to be one of the most exciting yet.
Who will take the crown in 2025? The race is tight, and the world’s top footballers are ready to see if they can add this prestigious accolade to their ever-growing list of achievements.
