Ballon d’Or 2025: Ceremony, Live Updates, and the Frontrunners
The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is upon us, marking the pinnacle of individual achievement in world football. Scheduled for September 22, 2025, the event is generating immense anticipation as the best players in the world gather to see who will claim the prestigious award. This year’s ceremony is particularly intriguing, with fresh faces in the conversation, including the rise of young stars and some returning powerhouses.
Who’s Tipped to Win the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
The two key figures in the 2025 Ballon d’Or race are Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, both of whom have had standout seasons for their respective clubs, PSG and Barcelona. The Ballon d’Or award has often been dominated by established superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but this year’s race is marked by a generational shift.
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Dembélé, who made a high-profile move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2025, has been nothing short of sensational. His performances on the pitch, both in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, have firmly established him as the favorite for the award. His blistering pace, technical dribbling, and match-winning ability were on full display throughout PSG’s successful season.
Dembélé was central to PSG’s domestic dominance, helping them clinch the French league title while also contributing to their deep run in the Champions League. His ability to create chances, coupled with his goalscoring form, has made him a key figure for the Parisians. In addition to his club success, Dembélé was pivotal in France’s Euro 2024 campaign, where his performances were instrumental in their eventual runner-up finish. Given his contribution both for club and country, he’s seen as the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
While Dembélé’s established brilliance is clear, the rapid rise of Lamine Yamal has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. At just 16 years old, the young Spanish forward has become a key player for Barcelona, scoring crucial goals and delivering important assists in both La Liga and European competitions. Yamal’s performances have been the subject of widespread praise, with comparisons to legends like Lionel Messi due to his playing style and ability to make a difference in high-pressure moments.
His breakthrough season saw him become Barcelona’s youngest ever goal scorer in the Champions League, and he was pivotal in helping the club secure a top spot in La Liga. As one of the youngest players ever nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Yamal’s candidacy has added a layer of intrigue, especially considering his meteoric rise to prominence.
Other Contenders
Though Dembélé and Yamal are the headline names, there are a number of other players who could potentially spoil the party. Erling Haaland (Manchester City), who has maintained a prolific goal-scoring record, remains a top contender. His performances in both domestic competitions and Europe have kept him firmly in the conversation for the award. Similarly, Kylian Mbappé (PSG) continues to impress with his flair, athleticism, and clinical finishing.
However, the momentum seems to be behind the younger players, with both Dembélé and Yamal standing out due to their distinctive styles and ability to influence matches at the highest level.
Voting Process and Ceremony Details
The Ballon d’Or winner is selected by a panel of football journalists, national coaches, and team captains. These individuals cast their votes based on players’ performances across the year, with a focus on both individual achievements and contributions to team success. The voting process for 2025 has been more competitive than ever, with many journalists debating the merits of each candidate.
The award ceremony itself is always a star-studded affair, and this year’s event is no different. Expect appearances from some of the world’s biggest footballing icons, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to make special appearances, even though they’re no longer in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
For fans eager to watch the event, the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony will be streamed live across various platforms, including CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports, and Al Jazeera. The event is expected to kick off at 8:00 PM CET, with global broadcasts providing live coverage for fans around the world.
A Changing of the Guard?
One of the most significant aspects of the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is the potential changing of the guard in world football. The dominance of players like Messi and Ronaldo is slowly fading, and this year could mark the beginning of a new era. Whether it’s the proven brilliance of Dembélé or the meteoric rise of Yamal, the future of football is undoubtedly bright, and the 2025 Ballon d’Or could be a historic moment in the sport.
Final Thoughts
While Ousmane Dembélé remains the favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, the challenge posed by rising stars like Lamine Yamal has made this year’s race one of the most exciting in recent memory. As the world’s footballing elite gather to celebrate the sport’s finest, fans can expect an evening of glamour, anticipation, and the crowning of a new champion.