Ronaldinho to present 2025 Ballon d’Or as Dembele and Yamal battle for top prize

 

Barcelona icon Ronaldinho is set to present the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris, according to reports in Spain. The former Brazil international, who won the award himself in 2005, has been chosen as the main guest at Monday night’s ceremony. This year’s Golden Ball is expected to be a showdown between Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal. Dembele, now starring for Paris Saint-Germain, is widely considered the favourite after helping his club secure a historic treble last season. Yamal, meanwhile, has become Barcelona’s standout talent, establishing himself as one of football’s brightest young stars and staking a claim to be the youngest ever winner.

Interestingly, ex-Barcelona and Bulgaria striker Hristo Stoichkov, who lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1994, was originally tipped to present the prize. He even confirmed his involvement in interviews, but the organisers have now opted for Ronaldinho. The choice adds a layer of nostalgia and star power, given Ronaldinho’s strong connection to both clubs whose players are in contention for the award.

See also: This former Man Utd XI is currently thriving away from Old Trafford

Several big names are set to miss the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, including Kylian Mbappe, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski. Mbappe has publicly said he will watch the event from home, while throwing his support behind compatriot Dembele. Pedri and Lewandowski are not expected to travel as they are reportedly not among the main contenders this year. Their absence will shift even more attention toward the contest between Dembele and Yamal.

Dembele’s attendance remains uncertain due to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 commitments. PSG’s clash with Marseille, originally scheduled for Sunday, was postponed because of extreme weather and rearranged for Monday, clashing with the Ballon d’Or gala. Although Dembele was left out of Luis Enrique’s squad because of injury, it is unclear if he will join his teammates in Marseille or remain in Paris to attend the award show. With eight PSG players nominated, his presence would be significant for the club, but his potential absence could also add intrigue to the evening. Either way, the spotlight will be firmly on whether Dembele or Yamal claims football’s most prestigious individual honour.

See also: Amorim: ‘Not Even the Pope Can Make Me Change United System’