The race for football’s most coveted individual honour is heating up, and France’s Ousmane Dembele has stormed into pole position following a dazzling campaign that helped Paris Saint-Germain clinch their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.

France Football has officially confirmed that the complete list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or – both men’s and women’s categories – will be released on August 7, setting the stage for weeks of heated debates and wild predictions ahead of the glittering awards night in Paris on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet.

As usual, the honours won’t stop at just the Ballon d’Or itself. Shortlists will also be revealed for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Kopa Trophy (best young player), and the Gerd Müller Trophy (top goalscorer).

The voting process remains as rigorous as ever, with a global panel of journalists casting ballots. One journalist each from FIFA’s top 100-ranked countries will vote for the men’s award, while 50 nations will participate in the women’s selection. Each journalist ranks their top 10 players, and the final outcome is determined by cumulative points.

DEMBELE’S DESTINY?

Ousmane Dembele, the electrifying winger who lit up Europe this season, currently leads the unofficial power rankings after guiding PSG to a historic quadruple – including the long-elusive Champions League trophy. His stats speak volumes: 35 goals and 15 assists, backed by silverware from Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, and of course, the Champions League.

Hot on his heels is Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation who continues to mesmerize La Liga and beyond. Despite Spain’s painful loss in the Nations League final, Yamal's numbers – 21 goals and 26 assists – have kept him firmly in the spotlight.

BALLON D’OR 2025: TOP 5 POWER RANKINGS (MEN)

MORE NAMES IN THE MIX

The list is far from final. Names like Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, and Vinícius Júnior are still in the conversation, depending heavily on their showing in key tournaments like Euro 2024 and the latter stages of the Champions League.

But one thing is certain: the Ballon d’Or 2025 race promises fireworks, and come September, the world will be watching.


By Wafricnews Sports Desk.