Ballon d'Or 2025: Nominees, Voting Process And Ceremony Details

Other notable names include Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France), and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona and Poland). This fresh lineup reflects evolving football trends and the rise of new footballing icons.

Women’s Ballon d'Or Nominees

The women's category features five Lionesses: Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, and Leah Williamson. Their inclusion underscores the growing prominence of women's football in England and globally.

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati and Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore also stand out, alongside rising talents like Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal) and Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich). The increasing quality and competitiveness in women’s football is evident in this diverse shortlist.

Other Awards At The Ballon d'Or Ceremony

The Ballon d'Or event also honours other categories including the Kopa Trophy for the best young male and female players, and the Yashin Trophy recognising the best goalkeepers.

Yashin Trophy Goalkeepers

The men’s Yashin shortlist features Premier League goalkeepers such as Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), who is aiming for a third consecutive win, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Arsenal’s David Raya, and Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels. On the women’s side, Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton and Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar are among the contenders.

Kopa Trophy Rising Stars

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and England's Michelle Agyemang are prominent on the young player shortlists, illustrating the club’s strong youth development. These awards spotlight the future stars of football, adding an exciting dimension to the ceremony.

How Are The Winners Decided?

The Ballon d'Or voting process is meticulous and designed to reflect a global perspective. A panel of journalists from France Football and L’Equipe initially compile the shortlist.

For the men’s award, one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries votes. Each journalist ranks their top 10 players from the shortlist, awarding points from 15 for first place down to 1 for tenth. In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes determines the winner, followed by second-place votes if required.

Voters consider three key criteria:

• Individual performances and impact
• Team achievements
• Class and fair play

The women’s Ballon d’Or follows the same system but includes journalists from the top 50 ranked nations, reflecting the still growing international reach of women's football.

When And Where Is The Ceremony?

The ceremony will be held on 22 September 2025 at the historic Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, a fitting venue for such a prestigious event. Fans and media worldwide will tune in to witness football’s finest being celebrated in a glamorous setting.

Notable Premier League Representation

The Premier League features strongly across the categories, from nominees in the men's and women's Ballon d’Or lists to goalkeepers and young players. Chelsea and Liverpool are also nominated for the Men’s Team of the Year, with Arsenal and Chelsea similarly recognised in the women’s section.

Managerial honours see Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) and Arne Slot (Liverpool) shortlisted for the men’s Coach of the Year, while Sarina Wiegman leads the England women’s team, nominated alongside Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor and Arsenal’s Renee Slegers.

Why The 2025 Ballon d'Or Is A Landmark Event

With the exclusion of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for a second year, the 2025 Ballon d’Or signals a new era in football. Emerging stars like Jude Bellingham are poised to take centre stage, while British talent continues to shine across categories.

This transition is reminiscent of historic shifts in football’s elite, making this ceremony a must-watch for fans and analysts alike. Those interested in broader football narratives can also explore related insights, such as the rise of Croatia’s penalty hero Dominik Livakovics, reflecting football’s global talent pool.

Conclusion: What To Expect And How To Follow

The Ballon d'Or 2025 promises excitement, surprises, and a celebration of football’s finest talents. Fans should mark 22 September in their calendars and keep an eye on coverage from major sports platforms to catch the announcement live.

For those keen on detailed football updates and analysis, England Sport Highlights Key Moments And Insights offers comprehensive coverage of the nation’s sporting achievements.

Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or remains a pinnacle of football excellence, honouring players who combine skill, dedication, and sportsmanship on the world stage.