Ballon d'Or 2025: we know the list of nominees, and Paris Saint-Germain is (very) well represented

With just over a month to go before the ceremony scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the list of nominees for the men's and women's Ballon d'Or awards, as well as the various other trophies, was unveiled this Thursday, August 7. The selection reflects the dynamics of a season marked by PSG's dominance.

Paris all-powerful, but not necessarily a winner

It's a striking figure: nine PSG players are among the 30 nominees . This is unprecedented in the history of the Ballon d'Or. With its historic quadruple this season (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, Trophée des Champions), the capital club has seen its dominance rewarded even in individual awards.

Headlining the bill is Ousmane Dembélé , who has finally become a regular under Luis Enrique, who is the favorite. The Frenchman, who has been a sensation during the Champions League campaign, embodies PSG's collective success and could succeed Rodri, the unexpected winner in 2024.

Around him, an armada: Hakimi , Fabian Ruiz , Vitinha , Nuno Mendes , Khvicha Kvaratskhelia , and Gianluigi Donnarumma , also in the running for the Yachine Trophy (best goalkeeper). Désiré Doué and Joao Neves , revelations of the season, are also nominated for the Kopa Trophy (best young player).

On its official website, the club hailed "a record in the history of the Ballon d'Or" , with no other club ever having placed so many players in the final selection.

But this omnipresence carries a risk: that of diluting the votes. The precedent of Real Madrid in 2024 , whose numerous nominees had neutralized each other, allowed Rodri (Manchester City) to win. Paris could suffer the same fate, for lack of a clear consensus around a single name.

Lamine Yamal, the Catalan threat

Perhaps the biggest threat is Barça's Lamine Yamal . At just 18 years old, the Moroccan-born left-footer has dazzled with his talent this season in both La Liga and the Champions League. A meteoric rise that could win over voters.

" A race without a clear favorite, a window of opportunity open for Yamal ," analyzed Cadena Ser on Wednesday. If he does not win the Ballon d'Or, he seems destined for the Kopa Trophy , even if Désiré Doué , author of a double in the C1 final, could challenge him for the crown.

The regulars are still there... but in the background

Among the established figures in world football, Kylian Mbappé , now at Real Madrid and the top scorer in La Liga, remains in the running. But without a major title this season, his profile seems less of a priority.

Erling Haaland , a serial Premier League goalscorer but stopped in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, or Mohamed Salah , brilliant at Liverpool but eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League despite a national title, embody this category of stars whose impact remains indisputable, but whose chances are reduced in 2025.

Other trophies: Paris in ambush everywhere

PSG could also shine in the secondary trophies. Donnarumma is one of the big favorites for the Yachine Trophy , while Luis Enrique , already voted best coach in Ligue 1, is well placed to be crowned coach of the year.

The capital club, dominating at all levels, is a logical candidate for the title of club of the year .

Bonmatí, Baltimore, Putellas: Europe still at the top among women

On the women's side, Aitana Bonmatí , two-time defending champion and best player of Euro 2025 despite the Spanish defeat, is the favorite. She joins Alexia Putellas , Sam Kerr , Lucy Bronze , Marta , and the Frenchwoman Sandy Baltimore , English champion with Chelsea and nominated for the first time.

Another French player in the running: Clara Mateo , top scorer in D1 with Paris FC. The English , who have just won the Euro against Spain, could take advantage of this momentum to shake up the Iberian domination of recent years.