Tonight, all eyes in the footballing world turn to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris for the 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The prestigious award, presented by France Football in partnership with UEFA, celebrates the best male and female players of the 2024/25 season. The event starts at 9:00 PM local time (CET), which is 8 PM BST and 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT for viewers in the United States.
This year's ceremony promises several major storylines, with a host of awards to be handed out. Besides the coveted Ballon d'Or for men and women, the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer), Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach), and awards for Men's and Women's Club of the Year will also be presented. Additionally, the Socrates Award will recognize social and humanitarian contributions.
The nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or have been revealed. Some of the names in contention for the Men's Ballon d'Or include Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal. The Women's Ballon d'Or nominees include Sandy Baltimore, Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson.
Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona are considered frontrunners for the top prize. Bookmakers have Dembélé as the favorite, followed closely by Yamal. A first-time winner is guaranteed, as none of the nominees have previously won the Ballon d'Or.
Dembélé's impressive season with PSG, including winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions, has made him a strong contender. He scored 37 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions. However, much of the PSG contingent may not be present at the ceremony, as their match against Marseille was postponed and will be held at the same time.
Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid, is also a strong contender. The 18-year-old Spaniard had a breakout season, scoring 21 goals and assisting 26 in all competitions as Barcelona won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. Despite Barcelona's elimination in the Champions League semi-finals, Yamal demonstrated his potential to become a dominant force in European football.
Other players in contention include Raphinha, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah. Several Lionesses are also in contention for the Women's Ballon d'Or after England's victory at Euro 2025, as well as players from Arsenal after their Women's Champions League triumph.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony will not be shown on UK TV, but it will be available to stream for free on L'Équipe's YouTube channel. Kate Scott and Ruud Gullit will host the ceremony.
