Ballon d’Or 2025. Football’s greatest night returns on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The 69th Ballon d’Or is more than just an award; it signals a new era in recognition.

From individual brilliance to social impact, and now with 12 prestigious categories, the Ballon d’Or 2025 sets a broader standard for what greatness in football means.

Complete List of Ballon d’Or 2025 Awards

For the first time, the awards are equal across genders. Here’s the full breakdown:

1. Men’s Ballon d’Or – Best male player globally
2. Women’s Ballon d’Or – Best female player globally
3. Kopa Trophy (Men) – Best male U21 player
4. Kopa Trophy (Women) – New – Best female U21 player
5. Yashin Trophy (Men) – Best male goalkeeper
6. Yashin Trophy (Women) – New – Best female goalkeeper
7. Gerd Müller Trophy (Men) – Best male goal scorer
8. Gerd Müller Trophy (Women) – New – Best female goal scorer
9. Johan Cruyff Trophy – Best manager of the year
10. Socrates Award – Humanitarian or charitable efforts acknowledged
11. Men’s Club of the Year
12. Women’s Club of the Year

These new categories echo the evolution of football, where simple athletic talent and past championships matter more than ever, as do managerial qualities and presence on and off the field.

Ballon d’Or 2025: Men’s Contenders

The men’s competition is not a two-horse race either; there is plenty of competition based on club and international success within the last year.

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

• Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France
• A standout performer in PSG’s long-awaited European victory. Scored in the semi-final, assisted in the final, and led from the front.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

• Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey
• A teenage sensation who stunned France in the Nations League semi-finals. Favorite for the Kopa Trophy, but his Ballon d’Or case is real.

Vitinha (PSG)

• Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Nations League
• Often overlooked, but vital for both PSG and Portugal. His consistency could surprise voters.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Trophy: Premier League winner
• Less visible in Europe, but still one of the world’s top forwards.

Raphinha (Barcelona)

• Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
• Key contributor to Barcelona’s domestic treble. Lack of Champions League play may hurt his chances.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

• Trophies: La Liga, possible Club World Cup
• Moved to Madrid for legacy-defining wins. Numbers are strong, but team success hasn’t peaked.

Other Notables

• Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: All influential in PSG’s run.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: Could become the first goalkeeper since Lev Yashin in 1963 to win the main prize.

Ballon d’Or 2025: Women’s Contenders

Aitana Bonmatí is still reigning supreme, but with the new women’s categories, some up-and-coming talents can easily overthrow.

Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)

• She’s the current Ballon d’Or holder and won’t stop any time soon. A force in La Liga and Champions League.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto (PSG)

• Spearheaded PSG’s resurgence. Her goals and leadership have reshaped the team’s fortunes.

Frida Maanum (Arsenal)

• One of the Women’s Super League’s breakout stars. Combines vision with a powerful midfield presence.

Rising Stars to Watch

• Linda Caicedo – Electric on the wing, a major contender for the Women’s Kopa Trophy.
• Melchie Dumornay – Technically gifted and tactically mature.
• Mary Earps – One of the world’s top goalkeepers, now in contention thanks to the new Yashin Trophy for women.

Managerial & Club Honors

Johan Cruyff Trophy: Coach of the Year

• Hansi Flick (Barcelona): Restored structure and identity to Barça.
• Luis Enrique (PSG): Tactical mastermind behind PSG’s European conquest.

Socrates Award: Social Impact

Finalists haven’t been confirmed, but names like Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford are likely in the mix due to their sustained humanitarian work.

Club of the Year Favorites

• Men: PSG – Dominant across all fronts, including their long-awaited Champions League win.
• Women: Barcelona – Still the gold standard in Europe.

How the Ballon d’Or Is Decided

A panel of 100 international journalists cast votes based on three criteria:

1. Individual and team performance during the year
2. Talent and fair play
3. Career achievements (when relevant)

Votes are submitted privately, with winners announced live during the gala.

Who Will Lift the Ballon d’Or in 2025?

This year’s expanded Ballon d’Or ceremony does more than reward the season’s best. It reflects where the sport is headed. 2025 is a transitional year with women getting their recognition this year and young superstars establishing themselves. This season also shows the impact of teamwork.

Will it be Dembélé, Aitana, or a dark horse? The 2025 Ballon d’Or has nothing to do with those already established and carved in stone history; it has everything to do with who can be a champion in the future.