France Football, the body behind the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, has confirmed the date for the announcement of nominees for the 2025 edition.
In a post shared via their official X account, organisers stated the unveiling will take place on August 7.
The annual award recognises the best male footballer in the world over the past season.
Traditionally, a 30-man shortlist is revealed before a winner is chosen through votes cast by journalists, coaches, and national team captains.
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France Football further announced that the final decision on the winner will be made public during a ceremony scheduled for September 22, 2025.
Rodri, who clinched the award in 2024 after an outstanding season with Manchester City, may not feature on this year’s shortlist due to a long-term injury. The Spanish midfielder has missed much of the current season.
“Rodri’s absence due to injury significantly affects his chances,” said a close source to the player who preferred not to be named.
Clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, and Barcelona are expected to have strong representation on the 2025 shortlist following successful domestic and European campaigns.
PSG emerged victorious in the UEFA Champions League this season, while Barcelona achieved a domestic treble by winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Expected names on the shortlist include PSG’s Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, as well as Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah also remains a strong contender.
“The level of performance this year from players in these two clubs has been remarkable,” said a football analyst based in Paris.
Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, weighed in on the upcoming award, stating that “only the player who has won the Champions League title should be the Ballon d’Or winner.”
The announcement on August 7 is set to ignite widespread debate among fans and pundits, as the football world anticipates who will take home the sport’s highest individual honour.
