**Experience the Thrill of the Ballon d’Or 2025 Awards Night: Who Will Claim the Coveted Title?** Join us as we dive into the exhilarating world of the Ballon d’Or 2025 awards night! Discover the top contenders vying for football's most prestigious individual accolade and explore the stories behind their remarkable journeys. Stay tuned for insights, predictions, and highlights from this iconic event that celebrates the best in the beautiful game.
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UPDATE AT 7:00 PM: The moment football fans have been eagerly awaiting is finally here. The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is taking place tonight in Paris, at the iconic Theatre du Chatelet. This prestigious event unites the brightest stars of the football world to honor their remarkable achievements over the past year.
This year, Ousmane Dembele stands out as the favorite for the coveted title after playing a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic success last season, culminating in their long-awaited victory in the Champions League. The anticipation is palpable as Dembele vies for the top honor among a competitive shortlist of nominees.
Key Contenders and Exclusions
While Dembele is poised to take the spotlight, many of his PSG teammates will be absent. They are sidelined due to a rescheduled match against rivals Marseille, which was delayed because of severe weather earlier this week.
Notably, Dembele himself is unavailable due to an injury, meaning he won’t participate in the match or the ceremony.
Rising Stars in the Mix
Competing with Dembele for the Ballon d’Or is young sensation Lamine Yamal from Barcelona, who has made waves with his exceptional performances for both club and country. Other notable players include Vitinha and Raphinha, both of whom have made strong cases for recognition this year.
The Premier League’s representation is led by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who has consistently proven himself as a formidable force in English football. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is also in the running, particularly after helping his team secure the Club World Cup title.
A Look Back at Past Winners
Reflecting on the history of the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi dominates with a record eight wins, while Cristiano Ronaldo has five. Their reign from 2008 to 2023 saw only a few exceptions, with Karim Benzema and Luka Modric capturing the title in 2022 and 2018, respectively.
Last year’s winner, Rodri, claimed the prize after leading Manchester City to multiple triumphs. The women’s award has seen significant growth since its inception in 2018. Ada Hegerberg was the inaugural winner, followed by notable victors like Megan Rapinoe and Alexia Putellas, who has won the award twice.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: A Competitive Field
This year’s women’s Ballon d’Or will also be awarded, featuring a shortlist that includes standout English players from their Euro-winning squad. Contenders include Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, and Chloe Kelly, all of whom played crucial roles in their national team’s success.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, a two-time winner, is favored to secure a hat trick of victories this evening, showcasing the strength of Spanish football in the women’s game.
Other Awards and Recognitions
Beyond the main awards, several other categories will be highlighted during the ceremony. The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best male player under 21, has Lamine Yamal as a favorite to repeat his win from last year. The competition includes other young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Estevao Willian.
This year, Ousmane Dembele stands out as the favorite for the coveted title after playing a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic success last season, culminating in their long-awaited victory in the Champions League. The anticipation is palpable as Dembele vies for the top honor among a competitive shortlist of nominees.0
This year, Ousmane Dembele stands out as the favorite for the coveted title after playing a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic success last season, culminating in their long-awaited victory in the Champions League. The anticipation is palpable as Dembele vies for the top honor among a competitive shortlist of nominees.1
