Overview
- France Football confirmed the 30 nominees on August 7, covering performances from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 ahead of the September 22 ceremony in Paris.
- Cristiano Ronaldo was excluded from the shortlist and responded by branding the award “ficticio” after remaining one title behind Lionel Messi.
- Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez represent three 2022 World Cup winners among the contenders.
- European media identify PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé as the leading candidate to clinch the honor.
- Kylian Mbappé announced he intends to vote for Dembélé, and with no past awardees in the running, the 2025 edition will produce a first-time Ballon d'Or winner.