The race for football’s most prestigious individual prize is underway, with the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees unveiled. From Ousmane Dembélé’s Champions League heroics to Arsenal’s historic women’s season, the shortlists are packed with talent, storylines, and potential history-makers.
Ousmane Dembélé heads the men’s list after steering Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever Champions League crown. The winger, once written off for his inconsistency, delivered in the biggest moments, inspiring PSG to a historic season. Alongside him is Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, whose dazzling performances for club and country have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi.
For last year’s winner Rodri, injury proved decisive. A serious knee setback in September ruled him out for most of Manchester City’s campaign, costing him a chance to defend his crown. Yet the Premier League is still strongly represented, with names like Cole Palmer, Mohamed Salah, and Declan Rice making the cut.
The list also features summer transfers Viktor Gyökeres, now at Arsenal, and Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool. LaLiga’s challenge is led by Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, while Scott McTominay earns a surprise nod after driving Napoli to the Serie A title.
In the women’s category, Arsenal have stolen the spotlight. Seven players from the Gunners’ squad, fresh off winning the Women’s Champions League for the first time in 18 years, are nominated. Alessia Russo, who topped the WSL scoring charts and lifted both the Champions League and Euro 2025, stands as one of the frontrunners.
Mariona Caldentey, Leah Williamson, and Chloe Kelly join Russo in Arsenal’s formidable contingent. Barcelona, with six nominees including reigning holder Aitana Bonmatí and former winner Alexia Putellas, are close behind. Chelsea, who swept the domestic treble, contribute four names, including goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, a Yachine Trophy nominee.
The United States is represented by just two players, Emily Fox of Arsenal and OL Lyon’s Lindsey Heaps in a list dominated by European-based talent. Scheduling in the NWSL and injuries to big names like Naomi Girma and Mal Swanson have limited American presence.
The Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper features familiar names such as Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois on the men’s side. In the women’s race, Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton is seen as a leading contender after her stellar season.
Coaching honours also carry intrigue. Renee Slegers of Arsenal and Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor are both in contention for Women’s Manager of the Year after historic campaigns. In the men’s category, PSG’s Luis Enrique, Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca, and Liverpool’s Arne Slot all make the shortlist.
The awards will be presented on September 22. For the first time, the ceremony will not clash with a women’s international break, ensuring the game’s biggest stars can attend. With a year of record-breaking moments and shifting power in both the men’s and women’s game, this Ballon d’Or could signal a changing of the guard.
