The 2025 edition of the Ballon d’Or has been officially scheduled for September 22, with excitement already building across the football world.
Gkingmusik reports that the Ballon d’Or, widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in football, recognises the best players over a full season.
This year’s award will cover performances from August 2024 to mid-2025.
Among the frontrunners is Kylian Mbappé, who made headlines with his blockbuster move to Real Madrid. Erling Haaland also remains a top candidate after yet another record-breaking goal-scoring campaign, while Jude Bellingham’s meteoric rise as a midfield general is expected to weigh heavily in the debate.
Analysts believe dark-horse candidates could also emerge from standout performances at Euro 2024 or the Copa América.
The women’s Ballon d’Or promises to be equally competitive, with top stars tipped to shine following exceptional outings in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With barely a week to the ceremony, fans around the globe are bracing for fierce debates and unforgettable highlights as football’s greatest names prepare to vie for the sport’s most coveted individual honour.
Meanwhile, France international defender, Jules Kounde, has backed Barcelona teammate, Lamine Yamal, over compatriots Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Both Mbappe and Dembele, who enjoyed trophy-laden seasons, are widely considered among the frontrunners.
However, Kounde, who just extended his contract with Barcelona until June 30, 2030, believes the spotlight should fall on Yamal, the 18-year-old Spanish talisman who shone for Barca last season.
Speaking to Le10Sport, the French defender said: “You put me in a delicate situation, because there is also Dembele in the running.
“But, what I would say is that I think Lamine Yamal deserves it. I have a very good relationship with him. He’s a team player, he works a lot for the team. He needs energy to attack, and I understand him perfectly.”
Kounde also opened up on his close relationship with the teenager, praising Yamal’s impact and selflessness on the pitch.
Note that Yamal scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions last season.
His contributions proved decisive as Barcelona secured a domestic treble, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España.
