Ballon d'Or 2025 Shortlist Revealed – Full List of Men’s & Women’s Nominees Announced

 

The 30-player shortlist for the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or has been released, featuring a blend of world-class talent, rising stars, and some surprise selections. Among the standout nominees are Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Paris Saint-Germain dominate the list with players like Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes all included. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Pedri also make the cut, while Arsenal have a double representation in Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice.

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Scott McTominay, now at Napoli, who becomes one of the few Scots to be nominated for football’s highest individual honour. Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, and Liverpool all have heavy representation, reflecting their influence across domestic and European competitions over the past year. The final winner will be revealed on 22 September 2025 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, alongside other major football awards.

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The 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or shortlist also features 30 exceptional players from around the world. Arsenal’s Alessia Russo headlines the English nominees after sharing the Women’s Super League Golden Boot and helping her club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She is joined by Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Steph Catley, and Leah Williamson, who played in the Euros despite a fractured tibia. Scotland’s Caroline Weir also earns a spot for her performances with Real Madrid.

Spain continues to dominate the women’s game, with multiple Barcelona players like Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, and Claudia Pina making the list. Bonmati, already a two-time winner, remains one of the favourites to lift the trophy again. Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze and Sandy Baltimore, Lyon’s Lindsey Heaps, and Bayern’s Pernille Harder round out a strong European presence. From Africa to South America, the list reflects global excellence, with Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Brazil’s Marta both recognised.

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This year’s nominees are a celebration of consistent excellence, title-winning performances, and standout moments at Euro 2025 and club competitions. The women’s award will be presented alongside the men’s on 22 September in Paris.