The Ballon d’Or 2025 has arrived, and the global football community is holding its breath as the sport’s most iconic award prepares to crown new legends. From Paris to New York, the excitement is electric, with fans debating who deserves the honor and how this year’s ceremony could reshape football’s legacy. For U.S. viewers, the event is perfectly timed, offering an afternoon of world-class glamour and drama right from Paris.
What Makes the Ballon d’Or 2025 Unique
The Ballon d’Or is no ordinary trophy. Since its creation in 1956, it has been considered the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. Voted on by international journalists, the award reflects not just goals and assists but also leadership, influence, and defining moments.
The Ballon d’Or 2025 is even more special for several reasons:
- Season-Based Evaluation: Unlike older editions that judged performances across a calendar year, this year’s prize is tied strictly to the 2024–25 season. That means players are rewarded for their consistency and impact throughout a full campaign, not just bursts of brilliance.
- Shifting Generations: With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer central to the race, the spotlight has moved to rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham alongside established talents such as Ousmane Dembélé.
- Women’s Football Spotlight: The Women’s Ballon d’Or continues to grow in importance, with players like Chloe Kelly pushing the game’s visibility to new heights.
The Ceremony Details
- Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
- Location: Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
- U.S. Time: 2:45 PM Eastern Time (11:45 AM Pacific)
- Streaming: Available live on Paramount+ and free on YouTube through L’Équipe’s official channel
For American fans, this makes the Ballon d’Or 2025 easy to watch without staying up all night—a rare treat for international football coverage.
The Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Race
Ousmane Dembélé – The Experienced Contender
At 28 years old, Ousmane Dembélé has finally stepped into the spotlight after years of being seen as a talented but inconsistent winger. The 2024–25 season was the one where everything clicked. He delivered dazzling performances in the Champions League, lifted domestic trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, and cemented himself as the creative engine of his team.
- Key Stats: Over 20 assists across all competitions, double-digit goals, and decisive contributions in finals.
- Why He Could Win: Trophy count, maturity in his game, and strong support from teammates and media.
- The Question Mark: His injury struggles—though currently sidelined, his season-long influence is impossible to ignore.
Lamine Yamal – The Teenage Sensation
At just 17, Lamine Yamal is rewriting the rules of what’s possible for a young footballer. The Barcelona forward has been hailed as the future of the game, combining composure, skill, and vision far beyond his age. His highlight reels include stunning solo runs, clinical assists, and calm finishes under pressure.
- Key Stats: More than 15 goals and 15 assists in his first full senior season.
- Why He Could Win: Symbolizes the rise of a new generation; adored by fans and praised by coaches as the “world’s best talent.”
- The Question Mark: Lack of major senior trophies compared to Dembele, though his impact in international matches has been undeniable.
Other Strong Candidates
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – A midfield powerhouse who dominated La Liga and scored crucial Champions League goals.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – Still one of the most lethal strikers in world football, with over 40 goals this season.
- Achraf Hakimi and Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – Both had stellar seasons, playing key roles in PSG’s European campaign.
While the spotlight shines brightest on Dembele and Yamal, the depth of talent in the nominee list proves just how competitive the 2025 race truly is.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Race
Women’s football has been growing rapidly, and the Ballon d’Or now plays a huge role in amplifying that momentum. This year, the top names include:
- Chloe Kelly (England / Arsenal) – Heroic performances in both domestic and international tournaments have made her one of the leading favorites.
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / Barcelona) – A midfield maestro who continues to redefine consistency and dominance at the highest level.
- Alexia Putellas (Spain / Barcelona) – A previous winner, returning to top form with a remarkable campaign.
- Lucy Bronze (England / Barcelona) – A veteran leader whose defensive resilience and experience have been crucial in big matches.
The women’s award has become just as anticipated as the men’s, reflecting how far the women’s game has come in terms of popularity and competitiveness.
The PSG vs. Marseille Scheduling Controversy
No major football event is complete without a dose of drama, and this year it comes in the form of scheduling. Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash with Marseille, postponed due to severe weather, was rescheduled for the exact evening of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
- The Problem: Many PSG stars and coach Luis Enrique may miss the gala because of the fixture.
- Impact on Dembele: As he is currently injured, Dembele can still attend the ceremony, but his teammates’ absence could dampen PSG’s presence at the global stage.
- The Backlash: Critics argue that French football authorities should have adjusted the match to avoid conflict with such a major international event.
This controversy has added an extra layer of tension, with fans debating whether PSG’s global image is being damaged by the clash.
Why the Ballon d’Or Still Matters
Despite debates over fairness and politics in voting, the Ballon d’Or remains the most coveted individual prize in football. Winning it can transform a player’s career:
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo used the award to cement their status as icons, collecting 12 trophies between them.
- For younger stars like Lamine Yamal, lifting the Ballon d’Or would be a historic statement, making him the youngest winner in history.
- For Ousmane Dembélé, it would represent the peak of a career defined by perseverance, silencing critics who once doubted his potential.
The award is more than just a golden ball—it’s a global symbol of footballing greatness.
How U.S. Fans Are Engaging With Ballon d’Or 2025
American soccer culture has exploded over the past decade, fueled by international stars in Major League Soccer, record-breaking World Cup viewership, and the growth of streaming platforms. The Ballon d’Or fits neatly into this rising interest:
- Streaming Access makes it easier than ever for U.S. fans to watch the ceremony live.
- Social Media Buzz around nominees like Yamal has gone viral, especially among younger audiences who see him as the “Gen Z Messi.”
- Women’s Football resonates strongly in the U.S., where the success of the U.S. Women’s National Team has already built a huge fanbase for global women’s stars.
For American fans, the Ballon d’Or 2025 isn’t just a European event—it’s a celebration of the global game.
Key Numbers and Facts
- 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or
- 2:45 PM EDT ceremony start time for U.S. fans
- Over 60 nominees across men’s, women’s, and special categories
- 17 years old – Lamine Yamal could become the youngest winner ever
- 28 years old – Ousmane Dembélé could win his first Ballon d’Or after a decade in top-flight football
Final Thoughts on the Ballon d’Or 2025
As the stage is set in Paris, the football world is buzzing with anticipation. Will Ousmane Dembélé cap off his finest season by lifting the golden ball? Or will the world witness history as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal takes the crown and ushers in a new era?
One thing is certain: the Ballon d’Or 2025 will be remembered as a turning point in football’s story, where tradition, controversy, and youthful brilliance all collide under the Parisian lights.
Who do you believe deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or? Share your thoughts below and join the global conversation!