Paris, France — The race for football’s most prestigious individual honour intensified on Thursday as France Football unveiled the official 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, spotlighting elite players who have delivered extraordinary performances across club and international competitions over the past season.
Among the frontrunners are England’s Jude Bellingham, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Norway’s Erling Haaland — all widely regarded for their dominant displays and consistent impact on the global stage. They are joined by top performers such as Vinicius Jr. and Harry Kane, whose seasons have kept them firmly in the international spotlight.
The list also includes veteran stars like Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, and Virgil van Dijk, as well as a new generation of emerging talents, including Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Portugal’s Joao Neves, and England’s Cole Palmer.
“This year’s nominees reflect a dynamic mix of experience and youthful brilliance, showcasing the evolving face of world football,” said a representative from France Football.
Additional standout names include Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister, France’s Désiré Doué, Scotland’s Scott McTominay, Brazil’s Raphinha, Germany’s Florian Wirtz, and England’s Declan Rice.
Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi and Spanish midfielder Pedri also made the cut, reinforcing the award’s global appeal and recognition of excellence across leagues and continents.
“The Ballon d’Or continues to celebrate not just individual skill but sustained excellence and influence over the course of a demanding season,” the organisers stated.
The winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be crowned later this year at the annual gala ceremony in Paris, where the football world will gather to honour the game’s top talents.
By Adeola Olaniya | August 7, 2025
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