2025 Ballon d'Or: Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal lead the line
8th August 2025
Ousmane Dembele and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal have emerged as early frontrunners after France Football unveiled the 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual honour in men’s football.
The pair lead a competitive field following outstanding seasons with PSG and Barcelona respectively, as the global spotlight turns to Paris for the awards gala on September 22.
Dembele’s revival at PSG and Yamal’s dazzling breakout year — capped by a standout Euro 2025 campaign — have made them strong favourites. The 18-year-old’s nomination marks another milestone in his meteoric rise, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s brightest prospects.
Other major contenders include Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr, and Harry Kane, all of whom delivered exceptional campaigns during the qualifying period from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025.
French-English forward Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich this year and declared for France, earns his first nomination. Africa’s representation comes via Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) and Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), while South America boasts Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Vinicius Jr.
The Paris ceremony will also feature the Women’s Ballon d’Or, the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, and the Kopa Trophy for best U21 player — where Yamal is again tipped among the favourites.
Full 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees:
Bellingham, Dembele, Donnarumma, Doue, Dumfries, Guirassy, Gyokeres, Haaland, Hakimi, Kane, Kvaratskhelia, Lewandowski, Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez, Mbappe, McTominay, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Olise, Palmer, Pedri, Raphinha, Rice, Fabian Ruiz, Salah, Van Dijk, Vinicius Jr, Vitinha, Wirtz, Yamal.