Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Leads PSG’s Star-Studded Nominee List as Messi-Ronaldo Era Fades

Football’s most prestigious individual prize, the Ballon d’Or, will be awarded tonight at the glitzy Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, as the sport awaits its next big superstar to take the crown once dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Between them, the iconic duo claimed the award 13 times from 2008 to 2023, leaving behind an era of unmatched dominance.

Last year’s winner, Manchester City’s Rodri, is out of contention this time following an injury-plagued campaign, paving the way for a new face at the top. The spotlight is firmly on Ousmane Dembele, who enjoyed a phenomenal season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), filling the void left by Kylian Mbappe with 35 goals across all competitions. His brilliance helped PSG secure a domestic treble and reach the Club World Cup final, cementing him as the bookmakers’ favorite.

PSG’s success in the Champions League — capped by their stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan — is reflected in the nominations. Nine PSG stars made the 30-man shortlist, including Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, now at Manchester City.

Yet Dembele faces competition. Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is making headlines as the brightest young talent in world football. After winning the Kopa Trophy in 2024, he scored 18 goals in 55 appearances last season, helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Copa del Rey. “I don’t dream of winning one Ballon d’Or, I dream of winning many,” Yamal said confidently.

Elsewhere, stars like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Viktor Gyokeres, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior are also in contention, ensuring a fiercely competitive race.

On the women’s side, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati is eyeing a historic treble, having been named UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Player of the Tournament. However, Spain’s penalty shootout defeat to England and Barcelona’s Champions League final loss to Arsenal may open the door for rivals, including two-time winner Alexia Putellas and several Lionesses such as Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

The winners will be chosen by a panel of journalists representing the world’s top footballing nations — 100 for the men’s award and 50 for the women’s. Tonight’s ceremony promises to mark the end of one golden era and perhaps the beginning of another.