Messi-Ronaldo Era Ends: 2025 Ballon d'Or Set to Crown First New Winner in 18 Years
Following an era of supremacy by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2025 Ballon d'Or will honor a debut winner for the second straight year in almost twenty years.
The 30 candidates selected for the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or recognition were formally revealed prior to this year's gala, taking place in Paris next month. The two leading contenders to claim the accolade, Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, top the roster of football's elite performers.
Absent from the nominees, however, are any former champions. No player who currently possesses a Ballon d'Or in his collection made the final list, ensuring there will be a fresh name announced at the Théâtre du Châtelet on Sept. 22.
Previous year's champion Rodri was sidelined for nearly the complete 2024–25 campaign, eliminating his opportunity to potentially secure the trophy once more. Messi and Ronaldo likewise failed to receive nominations, as did Luka Modrić or Karim Benzema.
The five legends, who represent the only current players to have previously claimed the Ballon d'Or, will witness a new addition to their elite group.
Even more remarkable is it will represent the first occasion new consecutive champions will be crowned since Fabio Cannavaro and Kaká each captured the prize in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Subsequently, Messi and Ronaldo alternated winning the Ballon d'Or, with the Argentine claiming the distinction after Modrić and Benzema.
Dembélé stands as the leading candidate to end the established pattern. The 28-year-old became the favorite for the 2025 Ballon d'Or following his role in guiding Paris Saint-Germain to an unprecedented quadruple that featured the club's maiden Champions League triumph. The French star accumulated 49 goal contributions across 53 matches, shining on France and Europe's grandest platforms.
Yamal remains close in contention, however. The youthful prodigy assisted Barcelona in securing a domestic treble, mesmerizing on the right flank with ability widely characterized as Messi-like. The Spanish talent concluded the season with 39 goal contributions in 55 matches.
Mohamed Salah, Raphinha and Kylian Mbappé also received nominations for their 2024–25 performances. PSG players command the roster, however, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Désiré Doué, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha earning selection.
All attention will focus on the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony to witness which superstar claims the most coveted individual recognition in football.