The build‑up to the 2025 Ballon d’Or has unfolded with palpable excitement across world football. On 7 August 2025, France Football, in partnership with UEFA, revealed the full list of 30 nominees for the Men’s Ballon d’Or, recognising the best performances of the 2024‑25 season (running roughly from 1 August 2024 to the end of the major club/national competitions in mid‑2025). The ceremony is scheduled for 22 September 2025, to be held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Among the 30 final nominees are stars from across Europe and beyond. Some of the standout names: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG & France), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt), Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England), and many others. While there is no confirmed “final nominee” (i.e. winner) yet — since that will be announced on 22 September — much of the speculation and analysis centres around Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Dembélé, having been pivotal in PSG’s successes (including their Champions League campaign), is seen by many as a strong frontrunner. Yamal, still just 17, has been widely praised for his flair, consistency, and breakthrough performances. As the date draws near, pundits and fans are sifting through individual statistics, team achievements, and influence on big matches, trying to predict who will emerge victorious when the stage is set in Paris.