Here’s a comprehensive overview of the 2024–25 Ballon d’Or nominations across all categories, plus context on last year’s winners and the symbolic shift marking the end of the Messi–Ronaldo era.
Introduction
The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala, scheduled for September 22 in Paris, celebrates excellence across men’s and women’s football, along with awards in coaching, goalkeeping, youth talent, top scorers, clubs, and social impact.
This edition notably hits a turning point: Messi and Ronaldo are absent from the shortlist—a clear sign that a new generation is taking center stage.
2025 Nominees – By c ategory
Men’s Ballon d’Or (30 nominees)
Includes big names from PSG’s treble-winning season—Ousmane Dembélé, Donnarumma, Désiré Doué, Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes—alongside stars like Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Mbappé, Lewandowski, Salah, Raphinha, Lautaro Martínez, McTominay, and more.
Women’s Ballon d’Or (30 nominees)
Dominated by Barcelonan talents such as Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Cristiana Girelli (Juventus) among others. Several Arsenal and Chelsea players also make the list.
Kopa Trophy (best young player) – men & women
Men’s contenders include Lamine Yamal, João Neves, Désiré Doué, Kenan Yıldız (Juventus), Myles Lewis-Skelly, Pau Cubarsí, and others.
Women’s nominees feature Vicky López, Linda Caicedo, Michelle Agyemang, and more.
Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) – men & women
Men’s shortlist: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alisson, Emiliano Martínez, Courtois, Oblak, David Raya, and others. Women’s nominees include Hannah Hampton, Cata Coll, Ann-Katrin Berger, among others.
Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer) – men & women
Included for both genders, though exact nominees aren’t listed in available sources.
Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach) – men & women
Men’s nominees: Luis Enrique, Hansi Flick, Antonio Conte, Enzo Maresca, Arne Slot.
Here are the latest odds (fractional format) for the major Ballon d’Or awards—spanning both players and coaches:
Men’s Ballon d’Or – Favourites and odds
Player
Odds
Ousmane Dembélé
1/4 (sometimes 1/5)
Lamine Yamal
3/1 to 5/1, occasionally 5/2
Vitinha
12/1 to 16/1
Raphinha
18/1 to 25/1
Mohamed Salah
14/1 to 20/1
Others (e.g., Mbappé, Palmer, Donnarumma)
20/1 to 100/1+
Women’s Ballon d’Or – Odds
No publicly published betting odds are available yet.
Aitana Bonmatí is widely regarded as the presumptive favorite based on her past wins and season form.
Men’s coach of the year (Johan Cruyff Trophy) – Odds
No specific betting markets are currently active.
Luis Enrique is seen as a leading contender due to PSG’s treble—UCL, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France.
Hansi Flick is also considered a strong alternative.
Ousmane Dembélé dominates the Men’s Ballon d’Or betting markets as the clear favourite, with Lamine Yamal as the strongest challenger.
For the Women’s Ballon d’Or, official odds are still pending, although Aitana Bonmatí is the expected frontrunner based on her performance.
Finally, the Coach of the Year category has yet to spark betting interest, though Luis Enrique’s odds appear strongest—reflecting PSG’s historic season.
Look back: 2024 Winners and the Messi–Ronaldo handover
2024 Male Ballon d’Or: Rodri, marking a surprise win that helped end Messi–Ronaldo’s long grip on the award.
2024 Female Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí (her second consecutive).
Other 2024 Winners:
Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal
Yashin Trophy: Emiliano Martínez
Sócrates Award: Jenni Hermoso.
For nearly two decades (2008–2023), Messi and Ronaldo captured 13 of 16 Ballons—Messi won 8, Ronaldo 5.
Their absence in 2025 indicates a generational shift, as the rivalry cedes to new names.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ballon d’Or lineup reflects football’s fresh chapter—PSG’s dominance, rising young stars like Lamine Yamal, and new coaching talents.
The absence of Messi and Ronaldo is symbolic of a generational handover.
This year’s awards will not only crown new champions across categories but also underline football’s evolving identity beyond its previous icons.
