Ballon d’Or 2025: 30-man shortlist unveiled

The final nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or have been officially announced ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for Monday, September 22, in Paris.

The list features 30 players who stood out during the 2024–25 season, with performances across Europe’s top leagues and tournaments, including the Club World Cup, considered in the selection process.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele leads the race following a standout campaign that saw him guide PSG to a historic treble, including their maiden UEFA Champions League title.

However, strong internal competition comes from teammates Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi, both enjoying exceptional seasons.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also made the shortlist after a breakout year, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barça’s Raphinha were recognised for their impressive contributions in title-winning campaigns.

Here is the full list of 2025 nominees:

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma

2. Serhou Guirassy

3. Denzel Dumfries

4. Desire Doue

5. Erling Haaland

6. Jude Bellingham

7. Viktor Gyokeres

8. Achraf Hakimi

9. Harry Kane

10. Robert Lewandowski

11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

12. Lautaro Martinez

13. Alexis Mac Allister

14. Ousmane Dembele

15. Kylian Mbappe

16. Scott McTominay

17. Joao Neves

18. Nuno Mendes

19. Michael Olise

20. Cole Palmer

21. Pedri

22. Fabian Ruiz

23. Declan Rice

24. Raphinha

25. Vinicius Jr

26. Virgil van Dijk

27. Mohamed Salah

28. Vitinha

29. Florian Wirtz

30. Lamine Yamal