The Ballon d’Or unveiled its official 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Men’s award on Thursday, highlighting the world’s most outstanding footballers over the past year.
Leading the list of contenders are Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., and Harry Kane — all of whom enjoyed remarkable campaigns for both club and country.
The shortlist blends experience and youth, featuring seasoned stars like Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, and Virgil van Dijk, alongside emerging talents such as Lamine Yamal, Joao Neves, and Cole Palmer.
Also earning nominations are standout performers including Alexis Mac Allister, Désiré Doué, Scott McTominay, Raphinha, Florian Wirtz, Declan Rice, Achraf Hakimi, and Pedri, among others.
Regarded as the most prestigious individual accolade in football, the Ballon d’Or honors players whose performances, consistency, and impact have shaped the global game. The winner will be announced later this year at the annual awards ceremony.
Full list of 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees:
- Ousmane Dembele (FRA/PSG)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (ITA/PSG)
- Jude Bellingham (ENG/Real Madrid)
- Desire Doue (FRA/PSG)
- Denzel Dumfries (NED/Inter Milan)
- Serhou Guirassy (GUI/Dortmund)
- Erling Haaland (NOR/Manchester City)
- Viktor Gyokeres (SWE/Arsenal)
- Achraf Hakimi (MAR/PSG)
- Harry Kane (ENG/Bayern)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (GEO/PSG)
- Robert Lewandowski (POL/Barcelona)
- Alexis Mac Allister (ARG/Liverpool)
- Lautaro Martinez (ARG/Inter Milan)
- Scott McTominay (SCO/Naples)
- Kylian Mbappe (FRA/Real Madrid)
- Nuno Mendes (POR/PSG)
- Joao Neves (POR/PSG)
- Pedri (ESP/Barcelona)
- Cole Palmer (ENG/Chelsea)
- Michael Olise (FRA/Bayern)
- Raphinha (BRA/Barcelona)
- Declan Rice (ENG/Arsenal)
- Fabian Ruiz (SCO/PSG)
- Virgil van Dijk (NED/Liverpool)
- Vinicius (BRA/Real Madrid)
- Mohamed Salah (EGY/Liverpool)
- Florian Wirtz (GER/Liverpool)
- Vitinha (POR/PSG),
- Lamine Yamal (ESP/Barcelona)
