The Ballon d’Or is still recognized as the most prestigious individual prize in global football, and in 2025, anticipation for the ceremony is at an all-time high. This year has top-end nominees, a glamorous location, and worldwide interest in how will receive the sought-after golden ball. Regardless of whether you’ve been a supporter for your entire life or you’re a casual viewer, this is the essential guide: “Ballon d’Or 2025: how to watch, start time, and nominees.”
When and Where Is the Ballon d’Or 2025 Ceremony?
The Ballon d’Or 2025 awards ceremony will occur on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the famous Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. This venue has been known for its ornate décor, housing some of the most significant cultural events, as it unites the best footballers, coaches and officials in the world for a night of sportsmanship.
Start Time:
- The Ballon d’Or ceremony begins at 9:00 PM, Central European Time (CET).
- If you are in the United Kingdom, the ceremony will start at 8:00 PM UK Time/BST.
- If you are in India, the ceremony begins on Tuesday, September 23 at 12:30 AM IST.
Where to Watch? TV Channels and Live Stream
Fans from around the world will be able to enjoy the Ballon d’Or ceremony at a wide range of channels/platforms.
- Europe: Live televised coverage via Canal+ and Eurosport, with highlights via RTL, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports.
- For those in India, coverage will be via the Sony Sports Network, and you will be able to stream it live on SonyLIV.
- If you are in Africa, SuperSport will have live coverage.
- If you are watching from anywhere else in the world, you can watch the Ballon d’Or live on the official Ballon d’Or YouTube and social media platforms. You can also see real-time updates from FIFA and UEFA.
- In the Americas, you can find coverage at ESPN+ and beIN Sports; replays will be available overnight online.
Football fans will also have the option to check live blogs and social media channels for ass instant reaction, pictures and coverage which is behind the scenes of the awards ceremony.
Categories and Awards in 2025
This year is especially noteworthy: for the first time in Ballon d’Or history, men’s and women’s awards will be presented equally—a landmark moment for gender parity in football.
Awards include:
- Ballon d’Or (Best Male Player)
- Ballon d’Or Féminin (Best Female Player)
- Kopa Trophy (Best Young Men’s Player, U21)
- Women’s Kopa Trophy (Best Young Female Player)
- Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper)
- Socrates Award (Humanitarian Impact)
- Additional honors such as Best Coach and Top Scorer will also feature.
Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees
Thirty players headline the men’s list, reflecting the international diversity and competitive spirit of football’s elite. Nominees were selected based on individual brilliance, trophies won, moments of leadership, and consistency in Europe’s top five leagues.
Key contenders include:
- Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
- Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain / Manchester City)
- Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter Milan)
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund)
- Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden, Sporting CP / Arsenal)
- Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli / Paris Saint-Germain)
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)
- Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool)
- Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
- Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
- Scott McTominay (Scotland, Napoli)
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)
- Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)
- Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)
- Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)
- Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)
- Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
- Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
- Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Florian Wirtz (Germany, Leverkusen / Liverpool)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona).
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees
The women’s Ballon d’Or also features thirty stars from Europe’s strongest leagues and growing global leagues, reflecting remarkable growth, skill, and competitive parity in women’s football. Many nominees have dominated international tournaments and club seasons.
Standout nominees:
- Sandy Baltimore (France, Chelsea)
- Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride)
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
- Lucy Bronze (England, Chelsea)
- Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern Munich)
- Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal)
- Sofia Cantore (Italy, Juventus / Washington Spirit)
- Steph Catley (Australia, Arsenal)
- Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Kansas City)
- Melchie Dumornay (Haiti, OL Lyonnes)
- Emily Fox (United States, Arsenal)
- Cristiana Girelli (Italy, Juventus)
- Esther González (Spain, Gotham FC)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)
- Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)
- Amanda Gutierres (Brazil, Palmeiras)
- Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea)
- Pernille Harder (Denmark, Bayern Munich)
- Lindsey Heaps (United States, OL Lyonnes)
- Chloe Kelly (England, Manchester City / Arsenal)
- Frida Leonhardsen Maanum (Norway, Arsenal)
- Marta (Brazil, Orlando Pride)
- Clara Mateo (France, Paris FC)
- Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona)
- Clàudia Pina (Spain, Barcelona)
- Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
- Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal)
- Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Sweden, Chelsea)
- Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid)
- Leah Williamson (England, Arsenal).
- Kopa and Yashin Trophy Nominees
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player (U21), showcases a new generation:
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
- Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Estêvão (Brazil, Palmeiras / Chelsea)
- Dean Huijsen (Spain, Bournemouth / Real Madrid)
- Pau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona) and several other promising talents.
The Yashin Trophy honors the top goalkeeper, with nominees including Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain / Man City), Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), and more.
How Are Winners Decided?
Winners are chosen through a rigorous voting process. Journalists from leading football nations, former Ballon d’Or winners, and selected experts cast ballots. Each voter selects five players from the shortlists, ranking them by points. The player with the highest overall score wins. Performances now assessed from the start to end of the previous season—not the calendar year—ensure a fairer assessment of form and impact.
Similar to the women’s award, a global jury of writers and coaches deliberate on a judgment that their entire focus is on that person’s performance at an international tournament, the impact they had at their club, and moments that defined their season.
What Makes the Ballon d’Or So Special?
More than merely a trophy, the Ballon d’Or is a celebration of football’s artistry, drama, and universal appeal. Its shimmering ceremony evokes memories of yesteryear legends, rewards emerging stars, and creates the storyline for each season. The award represents each individual’s brilliance while also showcasing the drive, sacrifice and teamwork that goes into the greatest of the game’s best.
Whether you are watching for your favorite player, club, or country, the Ballon d’Or 2025 will serve as signature chapter—its highs, lows, excitement and drama all will be “must see” moments.
“Ballon d’Or 2025: where to watch, start time and nominees”, don’t miss the crown jewel ceremony as it crowns a new generation of legends and again showcases the universal spirit of our beloved game.
