The 30-man shortlist for the 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or has been unveiled, showcasing a broad spectrum of footballing brilliance. Gone are the days when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the award; this year’s nominees hail from a new generation, each with compelling cases for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
Among the frontrunners are Mohamed Salah, Ousmane Dembele, and the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal — three players whose journeys and impact have captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
Few would have predicted that Ousmane Dembele, once a mercurial but injury-prone talent at Barcelona, would emerge as Paris Saint-Germain’s talismanic hero last season. Arriving at PSG two years ago amid questions, Dembele struggled initially but has since transformed into a clinical, dynamic forward.
Last season, he scored a remarkable 35 goals, spearheading PSG’s charge to their first-ever Champions League title. Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero highlights how Dembele’s “speed, trickery, and newfound ruthlessness” have propelled the French club to unprecedented success. His vital role in Luis Enrique’s tactical setup culminated in chants of “Ousmane, Ballon d’Or” echoing through the Parc des Princes during PSG’s trophy celebrations.
Dembele’s journey from frustration to fulfilment symbolizes resilience and evolution, making him a deserving candidate for football’s highest accolade.
Mohamed Salah’s quest for the Ballon d’Or has been a saga of near misses and unacknowledged brilliance. The Liverpool forward’s performance in the 2024-25 Premier League season was nothing short of extraordinary. Salah claimed both the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards, registering 29 goals and 18 assists — a record-breaking 47 goal involvements in a 38-game season.
“Ridiculous numbers,” said his Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, underscoring Salah’s pivotal role in securing the Premier League title. Despite finishing fifth twice before, Salah remains philosophical yet hopeful. In a candid interview, he admitted, “I’d love to win it one day, I won’t lie.”
Salah’s consistent excellence and record-shattering feats make a compelling argument: if anyone deserves the Ballon d’Or this year, it is surely him.
At just 18, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal represents the future of football. Critics may point to his youth or lack of a Champions League trophy, but few question his prodigious talent. Laia Cervello Herrero notes that “Yamal-mania” has swept across cities worldwide, with his No. 10 shirt filling the streets.
Yamal has faced and outshone seasoned professionals on Europe’s biggest stages, including a standout performance in the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan. His fearless style, creativity, and poise belie his age — traits once seen in legends like Messi, who claimed the Ballon d’Or without a World Cup.
For Yamal, the award would symbolize not just individual brilliance but a heralding of a new era in football.
Scott McTominay’s transformation from a misunderstood Manchester United squad player to Napoli’s Serie A MVP is a football fairy tale. His 12 goals and six assists were instrumental in Napoli’s title triumph, and the affection he’s earned in Naples is palpable.
Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, integral to PSG’s treble-winning campaign, offer flair and dynamism from midfield and defence, respectively. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s electrifying dribbling and key goals helped PSG dominate Europe, while Raphinha’s creative bursts powered Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey victories.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer delivered in crucial moments, including the Club World Cup final, though a dip in form during the Premier League season might temper his chances.
This year’s Ballon d’Or race is wide open, with each candidate bringing unique qualities and achievements. Dembele’s redemption arc and continental triumphs, Salah’s record-breaking Premier League mastery, and Yamal’s breathtaking youth and potential all present powerful cases.
As football fans await the September 22 ceremony in Paris, the conversation is less about who will win and more about celebrating the diverse talents that define the modern game.
