PSG’s Historic Treble and Champions League Victory Propel French Star to the Forefront of the Prestigious Award Race
The highly anticipated nominations for the 2025 Ballon d’Or have been officially announced, and a clear favorite has emerged. Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé is leading the race for the prestigious men’s award, propelled by an electrifying season that saw his club win a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. The announcement of the 30-player shortlist has set the stage for a ceremony in Paris on September 22, where the world’s best footballers will be honored for their exceptional performances over the past season.
A Treble-Winning Season Fuels the Top Contender
Ousmane Dembélé’s remarkable form has made him the odds-on favorite for the Ballon d’Or. His outstanding contributions were a key factor in PSG’s dominant season, where they not only secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France but also clinched their maiden Champions League trophy. His stellar performances, which included scoring eight goals in the Champions League, highlighted his development into a truly world-class player. Dembélé’s success has put him at the top of a formidable list of nominees, many of whom are his own teammates, underscoring the dominance of the French club in European football this year.
A Star-Studded List of Nominees
While Dembélé is the frontrunner, the competition for the Ballon d’Or is fierce. The 30-man shortlist is packed with stars who have had exceptional seasons. Among the top contenders are Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who had a mesmerizing season for club and country. Other notable names include Real Madrid’s dynamic duo of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, Liverpool’s prolific forward Mohamed Salah, and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane. The list also features impressive performances from players like Cole Palmer of Chelsea, who was instrumental in his team’s victorious Club World Cup campaign, and Scott McTominay, who was a key figure in Napoli’s Serie A title win.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or Féminin
The nominations for the women’s award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin, were also revealed, with a field of incredible talent from the 2024-2025 season. Aitana Bonmatí is a strong favorite to win the award for the third consecutive year, despite her Barcelona team falling short in the Women’s Champions League final to Arsenal. The women’s list is heavily populated with players from England and Spain, the finalists of the recent Women’s European Championship. Notable nominees include England’s captain Leah Williamson, and Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly.
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