teh 2025 Ballon d’Or: A New Champion Emerges as PSG Dominates the Contenders
The prestigious Ballon d’Or award, recognizing the world’s best football player, is poised to crown a new champion in 2025, marking the second year in a row without a repeat winner. This year’s selection process has notably excluded Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, widely known as Rodri, the recipient of the 2024 honor.The 30-player shortlist, unveiled on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, reveals a significant presence from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), boasting nine nominated players in the wake of their recent Champions League victory. Notably absent from the list are footballing icons Lionel Messi and cristiano Ronaldo, signaling a definitive shift in the landscape of elite football. The gala ceremony, where the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed, is scheduled for September 22nd.
Did You Know? The ballon d’Or has been awarded annually since 1956, initially recognizing Europe’s best player before expanding to include all nationalities in 1995.
PSG’s Champions League Success Fuels Nomination Surge
The overwhelming depiction of PSG players on the 30-man shortlist directly reflects their triumphant performance in the 2025 champions League final. This victory, secured against Borussia Dortmund on June 1st, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, has propelled several PSG stars into contention for the coveted individual award. The Champions League remains the pinnacle of club football, and success within it invariably elevates players’ profiles and chances at winning the Ballon d’Or
. according to data from Opta Analyst,PSG players collectively contributed to 78% of the team’s goals during the Champions League campaign,a statistic that undoubtedly influenced the nomination process.
The nine PSG nominees include key players such as Kylian Mbappé, who led the team in scoring, and Ousmane Dembélé, whose dynamic performances were crucial in the knockout stages. This dominance highlights a potential power shift in European football, with PSG establishing itself as a consistent contender for both team and individual accolades. The club’s strategic investments in talent, coupled with a focused tactical approach, are clearly yielding results on the biggest stage.
The Absence of Messi and ronaldo: A Generational Shift
The exclusion of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist signifies a clear transition in the world of football. While both players remain highly respected figures,their recent performances haven’t matched the standards required to contend for the award. Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami CF, has continued to demonstrate his skill in Major league Soccer, but the league’s competitive level is generally considered lower than Europe’s top five leagues. Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, faces a similar situation.
This absence doesn’t diminish their legendary status,but it underscores the emergence of a new generation of footballing superstars. The focus has shifted to players like Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham, who are consistently delivering exceptional performances for their respective clubs and national teams. As of August 8th, 2025, Mbappé’s transfer odds to Real Madrid are at 65%, according to Bet365, suggesting a potential new chapter for the French forward.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on players who excel in major international tournaments, such as the UEFA European Championship or the FIFA World Cup, as these events often have a significant impact on Ballon d’Or voting.
Key contenders and Dark Horses for the 2025 ballon d’or
Beyond the PSG contingent, several other players are considered strong contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Erling Haaland, the prolific Manchester City striker, is a frontrunner, having broken numerous scoring records in the English Premier League. Jude Bellingham, the dynamic midfielder for Real Madrid, has quickly established himself as a key player for both club and country.Other potential winners include:
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): A consistent threat on the wing, known for his dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): The England captain has continued to find the back of the net with impressive regularity in the Bundesliga.
* Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): A rising star with exceptional technical ability and vision.
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