Ballon d’Or 2025 – Who’s in the Running?

Every year the football world waits for one night that decides who was the absolute best player on the planet. The Ballon d’Or 2025 is that night. It’s not just a shiny trophy – it’s the conversation starter for fans, pundits and players alike. Below you’ll find the basics you need to follow the award, plus a quick look at the players most likely to win.

How the Ballon d’Or is Chosen

The award is run by France Football magazine. A panel of journalists from around the globe gets a shortlist of 30 players. Each journalist votes for their top five, giving 6 points for first place, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth and 1 for fifth. The points are added up and the player with the highest total wins.

Only players who have performed well in the calendar year – league, cups, Champions League and international tournaments – are eligible. That means the 2024‑25 season and the summer internationals both count.

Top Contenders for 2025

While the final list is still secret, a few names keep popping up in headlines and fan polls.

• Kylian Mbappé – The French striker kept scoring at an incredible rate in Ligue 1 and finally broke the Champions League final barrier with a decisive goal.
• Erling Haaland – The Norwegian powerhouse ended the season with a record number of goals for Manchester City and helped them clinch the Premier League and Champions League.
• Lionel Messi – Even at 38, Messi’s playmaking magic in MLS and his heroics for Argentina in the Copa América kept him in the conversation.
• Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian midfielder’s assists and occasional goals were crucial in City’s treble run.
• Jude Bellingham – The English midfielder’s rise at Real Madrid, including a clutch performance in the semi‑final, made many think he could finally snag his first Ballon.

These players are the ones you’ll see mentioned day after day as the ceremony approaches. Keep an eye on their stats – goals, assists, win‑rate and impact in big games – because they directly affect the journalists’ votes.

The ceremony itself will be held in Paris in early December, streamed live on multiple platforms. If you want to join the buzz, follow the official France Football accounts and use the hashtag #BallonDOr2025. Live‑tweeting, fan polls and post‑award analysis will fill the internet for hours.

So, who will lift the trophy? It’s anyone’s guess until the votes are counted, but knowing the voting system and the season’s top performers gives you a solid edge. Stay updated, check the stats, and enjoy the drama – the Ballon d’Or 2025 is about to become the talk of the football world.