The excitement is high this time around the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in world football. Three footballers are in the spotlight in 2025: Barcelona’s teenage talent Lamine Yamal, club teammate Rafinha, and PSG star Ousmane Dembele. On the other hand, Liverpool’s Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah, who has made his mark in the Premier League, is in the spotlight.
This year’s ceremony will be held on September 22 at the famous Théâtre du Châtelet in the French capital, Paris. Where the golden trophy will be presented to the best player of the season. However, there is some extra drama surrounding the award ceremony. PSG players may not be able to attend the ceremony as they are busy in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille on the same day. It is also reported that Real Madrid may boycott the entire event like last time.
Main contenders
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Returning to form after a string of injuries, Dembele scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists last season. His contributions helped PSG win an unprecedented fourth Champions League title, along with Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions. His dominant performances in big matches have kept him in the running for the Ballon d’Or.
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Rafinha (Barcelona)
Brazilian Rafinha was one of the heroes of Barcelona’s treble-winning season. In total, he scored 34 goals and assisted 25, making him indispensable to the team. Consistent performances in La Liga and the Champions League have highlighted his mental toughness and attacking consistency.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Yamal has become one of the most talked-about footballers in the world. He has 19 goals and 26 assists to his name last season. Not only did he win the treble for Barcelona, he also played a key role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024. Such success in international and club football at such a young age has brought him to the center of attention.
Mohamed Salah
Although Salah does not feature much in this year’s top-3 discussion, his achievements cannot be underestimated. At the age of 33, he has brought Liverpool a historic 20th league title. He became the Premier League’s top scorer in a single season with 29 goals and is among the top performers in European football combined in goals and assists. His experience and consistency will undoubtedly put him in the Ballon d’Or discussion.
When, where and how will you watch the awards ceremony?
- The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
- The ceremony will start at 9 pm CET local time (12:30 pm IST on September 23).
- Football fans in India can watch the event live on Sony Sports Network.
- The live broadcast will also be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
This year’s Ballon d’Or is not just a ceremony to select the best player; it will also prove how quickly a new generation of talent is emerging at the center of world football. Dembele’s mature form, Yamal’s teenage stardom, Rafinha’s consistency and Salah’s unyielding determination – all of this could make the 2025 Ballon d’Or a unique chapter in football history.
Hi readers. I’m Piyali Batabyal, a passionate blogger who loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences across a variety of topics—from lifestyle and beauty to personal growth and creativity. With a curious mind and a love for words.
Alongside my writing, I am also a professional makeup artist with a flair for enhancing natural beauty and creating transformative looks.