Ballon d'Or 2025 Unveils Stunning Best Play Nominees - Cast Your Vote Before the Big Reveal!
The 2025 Ballon d'Or gala kicked off with an introduction to a fresh accolade being presented: the Play of the Year Award.
This honor will celebrate the finest team sequence of 2025—an extraordinary moment of collective brilliance where players executed flawless combinations culminating in a goal. The Play of the Year distinction differs from the Puskás award, which honors the most outstanding individual goal scored during the year.
Five contenders have been selected for the 2025 Play of the Year recognition. Unlike other honors presented during the 2025 ceremony, this award will be determined by supporters, with global audiences having the opportunity to select the champion.
Here's your complete guide to the Ballon d'Or 2025 Best Play of the Year award.
Ballon d'Or 2025 Best Play of the Year: Contenders
The five finalists for this recognition feature sequences from both domestic clubs and international squads.
Andreas Pereira's strike for Brazil's national squad during their victory over Peru in World Cup qualifying represents the opening nomination. Luis Henriqué challenged his defender and delivered an accurate cross that Pereira converted with a spectacular, acrobatic overhead kick into the goal.
Despite Lionel Messi's absence from the 2025 Ballon d'Or nominations, he plays a crucial role in one of the nominated sequences with Inter Miami. Messi executed a flawless give-and-go with Luis Suárez to escape his marker before delivering an exquisite through-pass for Jordi Alba's finish. This served as the Herons' equalizing goal against New York Red Bulls in their eventual 5–1 triumph.
Paris Saint-Germain's third strike against Inter Milan in the 2024–25 Champions League final earns the third nomination. An exceptional dribble from Vitinha, enhanced by an elegant back-heel from Ousmané Dembélé, was completed by Désiré Doué's clinical finish to virtually secure the championship.
Kylian Mbappé netted a treble for Real Madrid versus Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 second leg. His second strike of the evening earned recognition. Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo orchestrated a fluid passing movement before finding Mbappé. The French forward then evaded Joško Gvardiol and slotted home his effort.
Spain's national team secured the final nomination for their fifth goal against France in the UEFA Nations League semifinals. La Roja initiated their build-up from defense and maintained possession for more than thirty seconds until Pedro Porro set up Lamine Yamal. The Ballon d'Or runner-up and two-time Kopa Trophy recipient placed the ball beyond Mike Maignan to cap off an exemplary sequence from the European titleholders.
Ballon d'Or 2025 Best Play of the Year: Voting Process, Announcement Date
To participate in the Play of the Year voting, you need to establish an account on the Ballon d'Or platform.
Subsequently, supporters must pay a €1 charge to submit their selection. This payment also provides access to a premium photograph for printing. After voting, you'll enter a draw to win two passes for the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Supporters may vote repeatedly, although each additional vote requires another fee payment.
The 2025 Play of the Year champion will be announced on Sept. 26, via the Ballon d'Or website and social platforms.