The football world is buzzing with anticipation as the nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or are set to be revealed today. The ceremony itself will take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This year's Ballon d'Or is particularly exciting, marking the 69th edition of the prestigious award.

The Ballon d'Or recognizes the best footballers in the world for the period between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. With no major international tournaments this summer, club performances will be the deciding factor.

Several names have been thrown into the mix as potential contenders for the coveted prize. Ousmane Dembélé is considered a frontrunner after a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he played a crucial role in their Champions League triumph and domestic success. The Frenchman scored 33 goals and provided over a dozen assists across all competitions.

Another strong contender is Barcelona's young sensation, Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, Yamal has taken European football by storm, becoming instrumental in Barcelona's domestic double.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is also in the conversation, consistently proving himself as one of the elite players in the world. Other players who have had outstanding seasons include Raphinha and Vitinha. Raphinha has been a consistent and productive player for Barcelona, showcasing his talents in La Liga and the Champions League. Vitinha emerged as a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, playing a pivotal role in their historic treble.

While some might consider them as outsiders, other notable players who could be nominated include Kylian Mbappé, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and even Scott McTominay.

The absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the top spots has opened the field for a new generation of stars to compete for the Ballon d'Or. Rodri, who won the award in 2024, will not be defending his title due to a season-ending injury.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony will also present other awards, including the Women's Ballon d'Or, Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer), Club of the Year, and Sócrates Award (for solidarity actions).

The nominees are chosen by a France Football committee, and the winners are selected by a panel of international journalists. The announcement of the nominees will be followed by weeks of debates and predictions.