Ballon d'Or 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

Every year football fans start talking about who will be crowned the best player in the world. That title comes with the Ballon d'Or, a trophy that has been around for decades. For 2025 the excitement is even higher because a new generation of stars is challenging the old guard. In this guide we’ll break down how the award works, who the leading contenders are, and where you can watch the ceremony.

How the Ballon d'Or is Decided

The Ballon d'Or is organized by the French magazine France Football. The winner is chosen by a vote that includes journalists from around the globe, national team coaches and captains. Each voter gets a list of three players – one gets 5 points, the second 3 points, the third 1 point. All the points are added up and the player with the most points wins.

First a shortlist of 30 players is announced, usually in early October. After that the full voting list is released and the final ceremony takes place in early December. The whole process is transparent – the vote counts are published after the ceremony, so you can see exactly how close the competition was.

Top Contenders for 2025

While the shortlist won’t be known yet, there are a few names that keep popping up in every conversation. Here’s a quick look at the players who are most likely to make the final cut.

• Lionel Messi – Even after moving clubs, Messi still delivers big performances in big games. A few more titles in the Champions League or a Copa América win could push him back on top.
• Erling Haaland – The Manchester City striker keeps breaking goal records. If he adds another Premier League title and another Champions League trophy, he’s a strong favorite.
• Kylian Mbappé – At PSG, Mbappé is still the fastest and most dangerous forward. A World Cup win for France would make his case unbeatable.
• Jude Bellingham – The young midfielder at Real Madrid has already won domestic titles and is central to the team’s play. Consistent performances in Europe could see him win his first Ballon d'Or.
• Kevin De Bruyne – The Manchester City playmaker is still creating chances at a high level. If City clinches another league crown, De Bruyne’s assist numbers will speak for themselves.

These are just the front‑runners. The award often surprises people, especially if a player has a standout season in a less‑talked‑about league.

Want to keep up with the latest updates? Follow the official France Football social channels, or check the sports section of major news sites during October and December. The ceremony is usually streamed live on major sports networks and on YouTube, so you won’t miss the moment the winner is announced.

In short, the Ballon d'Or 2025 will be decided by a mix of stats, big‑game moments, and a little bit of voting drama. Keep an eye on the shortlist, watch the key matches, and you’ll know exactly why the eventual winner earns the title of the world’s best footballer.