The countdown to the 2025 Ballon d’Or is on, and anticipation is higher than ever. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in contention, the field is wide open, making this year’s race for football’s most prestigious individual honor especially intriguing.
Unlike past editions where the outcome often seemed inevitable, recent years have brought surprises — none more shocking than Rodri’s unexpected win in 2024.
This time, the competition is fierce once again, with Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha emerging as early favorites. However, several top performers from around the world remain in strong contention.
When Will the 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominees Be Announced?
The full list of male nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be officially revealed on Wednesday, August 7, 2025, by France Football, following a recent selection meeting at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.
Expect a shortlist of around 20 male players, highlighting the standout talents of the 2024/25 football season.
Note: The nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or will be announced at a later date due to ongoing international competitions that extended into late July.
When Is the Ballon d’Or Ceremony?
The 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
While the exact start time hasn’t been confirmed, the event typically begins between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET) — that’s 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for U.S. viewers.
Stay tuned the race is heating up, and surprises could still be in store.
