Real Madrid Dominates Ballon d'Or 2025 with Complete Squad Nomination List
Seven players from Real Madrid have received nominations for various awards at the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala, with four of them securing spots in the running for football's most coveted individual prize.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or shortlists celebrate excellence in both men's and women's football. From rising talents and exceptional goalkeepers to established legends and tactical masterminds, the September event will celebrate football's finest, with winners determined by votes from football journalists worldwide.
Despite Real Madrid experiencing a challenging 2024–25 season, several players delivered exceptional individual displays across all positions. The most impressive performers secured nominations for football's ultimate individual accolade.
Here's a complete breakdown of every Real Madrid star nominated for awards at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Real Madrid's 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or Nominees
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Jude Bellingham | Midfielder |
Kylian Mbappé | Forward |
Vinícius Júnior | Forward |
Jude Bellingham, considered among football's premier attacking midfielders, secured his spot on the 30-man list following his solid 2024–25 performance. While unable to match his spectacular debut campaign, the English star still contributed 29 goals and assists combined across all tournaments.
Kylian Mbappé has earned his eighth Ballon d'Or nomination, becoming only the third player alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to achieve this milestone by age 26. The French striker netted 44 goals during his remarkable first season in Madrid's colors, claiming both the European Golden Boot and Pichichi Trophy.
Vinícius Júnior, who narrowly missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or to Rodri amid controversy, finds himself in contention once more. Similar to Bellingham, the Brazilian winger didn't quite match his previous season's output, yet still managed 22 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
Real Madrid's 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or Nominee
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Caroline Weir | Midfielder |
Caroline Weir stands as Real Madrid's sole representative in the 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or nominations. The 30-year-old concluded the 2024–25 season with an impressive tally of 15 goals and 13 assists, delivering an outstanding campaign after missing virtually the entire previous season due to an ACL tear.
What made her performance even more remarkable was her versatility across multiple midfield roles for Los Blancos, excelling whether deployed as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or attacking midfielder.
With only one Real Madrid representative making the cut, Weir's inclusion is thoroughly warranted.
Real Madrid's Kopa Trophy Nominees
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Linda Caicedo | Forward |
Dean Huijsen | Defender |
Linda Caicedo shone brightly for both Real Madrid and Colombia throughout 2024–25. Despite limited playing time early in the campaign, Caicedo accumulated 13 goals and 10 assists across 36 matches for Los Blancos, frequently leaving defenders in her wake with skillful dribbling. The 20-year-old also excelled internationally, netting four times as Colombia reached the Copa América 2025 final.
While Dean Huijsen represented Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup, the defender's nomination stems from his breakthrough campaign at Bournemouth. The 20-year-old impressed with both his defensive solidity and ball-playing ability, earning a £50 million ($66.4 million) transfer to the Spanish capital this summer.
Real Madrid's Yashin Trophy Nominee
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper |
Thibaut Courtois's Yashin Trophy nomination comes as little shock. The goalkeeper repeatedly rescued Real Madrid throughout last season, delivering heroic performances behind an improvised defensive line.
The Belgian featured in 53 matches for Los Blancos, displaying the same exceptional form that earned him the Yashin Trophy in 2022, despite recovering from an ACL injury sustained in 2023–24. Courtois allowed just 29 goals in 30 league fixtures while recording 11 clean sheets.