Ballon d'Or 2025: Dembele Leads With Lionesses Among Women’s Contenders

Introduction to the Ballon d'Or 2025

The Ballon d'Or remains the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, and the 2025 ceremony promises a thrilling showcase of talent from both men’s and women’s football. This year, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele stands out as the clear favourite to claim the men’s prize, while the Lionesses have put forward a strong challenge in the women’s categories following their Euro 2025 success.

Ousmane Dembele’s Rise to Favourite

Ousmane Dembele’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of spectacular. The PSG forward delivered an astonishing 43 goal contributions over 44 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League, helping his team secure a historic treble including the Coupe de France. This prolific output has established him as the bookmakers’ top pick for the Ballon d'Or.

Despite his success, Dembele will not attend the awards ceremony in Paris, as he is committed to a postponed Ligue 1 clash against Marseille. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, a fellow nominee and France teammate, publicly endorsed Dembele's chances, joking he would personally deliver the trophy to Dembele’s home.

Dembele’s Impact Compared to Peers

Among his main competitors is Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who at just 18 years old, impressed with 18 goals and 25 assists during Barca’s LaLiga and Copa del Rey victories. Yamal represents a youthful challenge and a chance for Barcelona to reclaim the award, which they have won a record 12 times before.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah remains the Premier League’s strongest contender. Salah’s 29 league goals and 18 assists propelled Liverpool to the title and earned him the PFA men’s player of the year award.

British Contenders Making Their Mark

Five British players are nominated for the men’s Ballon d'Or, highlighting the UK’s ongoing contribution to elite football. England’s Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Harry Kane, alongside Scotland’s Scott McTominay, all feature on the shortlist.

McTominay, having shone in Serie A with Napoli, made history as the first Scot nominated since 1987. His 12 goals and six assists helped Napoli clinch the Serie A title, underscoring the global reach of British talent.

The Lionesses And Women’s Ballon d'Or Contenders

On the women’s side, England’s Lionesses are riding high after their Euro 2025 triumph. Five players from the victorious squad are nominated, including captain Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo, all central to England’s historic success.

Arsenal’s dominance in women’s football is clear, with seven nominees from the club, including standout players like Mariona Caldentey, the WSL Player of the Year. Chelsea also has strong representation through Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, the latter vying for the Women’s Yashin Award following her penalty shoot-out heroics.

Managerial Excellence Among Women’s Coaches

England manager Sarina Wiegman is a strong candidate for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded to the best coach. Her tactical acumen and decisive substitutions were instrumental in securing England’s first major tournament win abroad.

Wiegman faces competition from Renee Slegers of Arsenal, who led her team to their second Champions League title, and Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, who secured a domestic treble in her debut season.

Additional Awards and Rising Stars

PSG’s Luis Enrique is poised to win the men’s best coach award after guiding his side to a second career treble. Meanwhile, young talents such as Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly compete for the Men’s Kopa Trophy, recognising the best player under 21, facing stiff competition from PSG’s Desire Doue and Joao Neves.

In the goalkeeping category, the Men’s Yashin Trophy features top keepers like Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, alongside Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.

Conclusion: What to Expect From the Ballon d'Or 2025

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to be a celebration of football excellence across genders and generations. With PSG’s dominance reflected in multiple nominations and the Lionesses’ rise in women’s football, fans can expect a night full of anticipation and recognition of outstanding achievements.

For those interested in the wider football landscape, exploring stories like football in Greenland offers fascinating insight into the sport’s global reach and diversity.

Stay tuned to Premier League and beyond key football transfers for September 2025 to see how the football world continues to evolve following this year’s awards.