Ceremony Ballon D’OR (22,Sept 2025)
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 Matters
If you’re a football fan, a player, a journalist, or simply someone who loves global sporting drama, the upcoming Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 season is your passport to football’s grandest stage. As the Ballon d’Or moves into its 69th edition, this preview gives you everything you need to stay ahead—whether that’s following the favorites, exploring new categories, or understanding the unique voting nuances that shape who wins football’s most coveted prizes.
Over the next sections, you’ll journey through the Ballon d’Or’s storied past, discover key nominees for 2025/26, and learn how new awards, historical shifts, and underlying statistical trends shape the profile of a modern winner. If you’re aiming for insights, context, and practical information (like viewing details, voting rules, and statistical analysis), this Ceremonie Ballon D’OR Preview is tailored for you.
I. The Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: History, Prestige, and Its Evolving Significance
Origins and Legacy
You might be amazed to learn that the Ballon d’Or, originating in 1956 and presented by France Football, stands as the most prestigious individual football award worldwide. The Ballon d’Or quickly became not just a measure of brilliance but a symbol of international recognition, aspiration, and legendary status in the sport.
At first, only European players at European clubs were eligible, but in 1995 the scope expanded to any player at European clubs, and by 2007, to performers worldwide. Despite temporary mergers with FIFA’s The Best award (2010–2015), the Ballon d’Or has always held a unique prestige, its golden globe universally recognized as football’s greatest individual prize.
Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: Awarding Football’s Legends
When you look at previous winners, you’re peering into a gallery of football’s immortals. From Stanley Matthews to George Best, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, every modern era is traceable through Ballon d’Or laureates. Notably, Lionel Messi, with his unprecedented eight trophies, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with five, have dominated the 21st century.
Women’s Ballon d’Or and the Modern Expansion
The Ballon d’Or Féminin launched in 2018, rapidly becoming the summit of women’s footballing honors. You’ve witnessed Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, Alexia Putellas, and most recently Aitana Bonmatí receive global acclaim, reflecting the explosion of quality, competitiveness, and visibility in women’s football.
II. Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: Gala – Key Details and Logistics
When and Where
Mark your calendar: the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for Monday, 22 September 2025, at the venerable Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This iconic venue, in the heart of French culture and history, will host a truly global turnout, from past legends to rising stars and football’s most distinguished journalists.
The evening broadcast starts with red carpet coverage, building into the awards from 19:30 local time. The main ceremony is expected to take center stage at 21:00 and run into the night as each award is revealed in succession.
How to Watch
You’ll be able to follow the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 on several international platforms. TNT Sports and discovery+ are the UK broadcasters, while L’Equipe’s YouTube channel provides free global streaming access. In France, you can watch on La Chaine L’Equipe or follow live digital coverage from media like Eurosport and UEFA.com.
Hosts and Atmosphere
Your hosts for the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony are Ruud Gullit—a Ballon d’Or winner himself—and sports broadcaster Kate Scott. Expect a blend of gravitas, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and plenty of surprise guest appearances from football royalty.
III. All the 2025/26 Ballon d’Or Awards: What’s New and What Returns
The Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 for this season stands out not just for its nominees but for a bold expansion of award categories, reflecting how rapidly the football landscape is evolving.
Main Ballon d’Or Awards
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Honoring the best male player of the 2024/25 season.
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: For the top women’s player of the year.
Major Accompanying Trophies
- Kopa Trophy (Men & Women): Recognizing outstanding young players under 21. The men’s Kopa has a recent heritage (since 2018), but 2025 marks the debut for a women’s Kopa Trophy.
- Yashin Trophy (Men & Women): Celebrates the best goalkeepers. The men’s award (since 2019) now has a women’s equivalent first unveiled this year.
- Gerd Müller Trophy (Men & Women): Recognizes the top goal scorer(s) in club and international football.
- Johan Cruyff Trophy (Men & Women): Launched in 2024, this shines the spotlight on coaches for the past season’s crowning achievements.
- Club of the Year Award (Men & Women): Spotlights the clubs with the most holistic success over the season.
- Sócrates Award: Distinct from pure sporting results, this honors humanitarian contribution and social impact within football.
Table: New and Notable Awards at the 2025/26 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
| Award | Men’s Category (since) | Women’s Category (since) | 2025/26 Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kopa Trophy | 2018 | 2025 | First-ever women’s Kopa Trophy |
| Yashin Trophy | 2019 | 2025 | First-ever women’s Yashin Trophy |
| Gerd Müller Trophy | 2021 | 2025 | First-ever women’s Gerd Müller Trophy |
| Johan Cruyff Trophy | 2024 | 2024 | Second edition for coaches |
| Club of the Year | 2021 | 2023 | Women’s third edition |
| Sócrates Award | 2022 | 2022 | Humanitarian focus |
For you as a follower or analyst, this expanded roster means more players, coaches, and even clubs receive overdue global acknowledgment. The addition of women’s equivalents to all major awards is historic and pushes football’s equality agenda further than ever before.
IV. How Winners Are Decided: The 2025/26 Ballon d’Or Voting System
Knowing how award decisions are made reveals much about the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 and what it takes to capture the football world’s top accolade.
Voting Panel and Method
- Shortlist Creation: France Football and L’Équipe create a 30-nominee list per main category, drawing from expert journalist and editorial panels.
- Jury Size: One specialized football journalist from each of the world’s top 100 FIFA-ranked nations (for men’s), and for the women’s Ballon d’Or, from the top 50 nations in FIFA’s ranking.
- Scoring: Each juror lists ten nominees in order. Points are awarded as follows:
- 1st: 15 points
- 2nd: 12 points
- 3rd: 10 points
- 4th: 8 points
- 5th: 7 points
- 6th: 5 points
- 7th: 4 points
- 8th: 3 points
- 9th: 2 points
- 10th: 1 point
- Tie-breaks: If players are tied on points, the number of first-place votes is decisive, followed by second-place votes, and so on.
Three Main Criteria
- Individual Performance: Decisive moments, overall impact, technical quality, and consistency.
- Team Achievements: Trophies, international and club success, leadership.
- Class and Fair Play: Sportsmanship, professionalism, image respecting football’s traditions and values.
For you, this means that while stats and trophy cabinets count for a lot, the story, character, and ethical dimension of a player’s season matter too. Campaigns can be won or lost—with voting panels—by game-changing moments or influential leadership, not just raw stats.
V. Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees—Profiles and Key Stats
The Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist features a parade of club icons, league MVPs, Champions League heroes, and breakout performers. Here’s what you need to know about the top contenders and statistical outliers:
Table: Select Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees and Their 2024/25 Highlights
| Nominee | Club(s) | Main Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Ousmane Dembélé Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain | Champions League Winner, 35G/16A Champions League Winner, 11G/15A |
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | La Liga Winner, 18G/25A, Youngest Ever |
| Raphinha | Barcelona | La Liga Winner, 18G, Key UCL role |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 29G/18A, PL Player of the Year |
| Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | 31G La Liga, Golden Shoe |
| Vitinha | Paris Saint-Germain | 8G/5A, Champions League winner |
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea | Premier League Player of the Year |
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | 9G/14A, La Liga impact |
*G = Goals, A = Assists. Data across all competitions where available.
The Two Main Favorites
- Ousmane Dembélé: You’ll find Dembele is the prevailing favorite in most analyses, with his electric pace, creative output, and Champions League-winning exploits tipping the balance. He’s emblematic of PSG’s resurgence and has the trophy haul and decisive moments essential for a Ballon d’Or campaign.
- Lamine Yamal: At just 18, Yamal’s maturity, creative intelligence, and clutch goals in both La Liga and Champions League make him an historic figure—the youngest ever top contender and possibly winner. His assists, dribbling, and hunger have made Barcelona a force again.
Other Major Contenders
- Raphinha, equally creative and consistent, may be unlucky not to take center stage in other years.
- Mohamed Salah has record-breaking numbers but lacked European club silverware.
- Kylian Mbappé led La Liga in scoring but missed out on major club trophies this year.
- Vitinha’s masterful midfield play was pivotal for PSG’s continental domination.
- Cole Palmer took English football by storm but may be hindered by Chelsea’s patchy team success.
Dark Horses and Notable Inclusions
- Players like Florian Wirtz, Declan Rice, Lautaro Martínez, and Jude Bellingham all had stellar campaigns but would need a favorable voting bias, a la Rodri’s win in 2024, to edge past the front-runners.
- Defenders and Goalkeepers: Rarely win, with the position bias heavily favoring attackers and creative midfielders.
For you, the Ceremonie Ballon D’OR Preview is about more than names—it’s a showcase for comparing footballing philosophies: youth vs. veterans, flair vs. consistency, and teams with multiple candidates dividing the vote vs. solitary superstars carrying a club.
VI. Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees—Rivals and Fresh Faces
Women’s football is at a watershed. Here, you’ll encounter unprecedented depth, world-class talents from across Europe, Africa, North America, and beyond, as well as an influx of young leaders outsprinting the established elite.
Key Nominees
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona): Back-to-back Ballon d’Or Féminin champion, conductor of Barcelona’s midfield, Champions League and Liga F queen.
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea): Veteran English full-back, key for club and country, Euros winner.
- Klara Bühl (Bayern): Bundesliga cornerstone, creative winger.
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride): Zambian forward rewriting scoring records in the NWSL and World Cup circuits.
- Ewa Pajor and Patri Guijarro (Barcelona): Central to Barcelona’s enduring dominance.
Notable is the inclusion of Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid), Michelle Agyemang (Brighton/Arsenal), and Vicky López (Barcelona) as young stars already impacting senior football, indicating a generational shift.
Statistical Standouts
- Aitana Bonmatí: Continues to set the pace as Barcelona’s brain and captain.
- Barbra Banda: Top scorer in the NWSL, high-impact on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Clàudia Pina, Alexia Putellas (Barcelona): Multiple title winners, ever-present on the biggest stages.
- Esther González, Caroline Graham Hansen, Mariona Caldentey: Consistently delivering on both domestic and international fronts.
Table: Select Ballon d’Or Féminin Nominees and Achievements
| Nominee | Club(s) | Major 2024/25 Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Aitana Bonmatí | Barcelona | UWCL & Liga F winner |
| Barbra Banda | Orlando Pride | NWSL Golden Boot, Africa Cup |
| Lucy Bronze | Chelsea | WSL, UEFA Women’s Euros |
| Klara Bühl | Bayern | Bundesliga star |
| Ewa Pajor | Barcelona | Key in league/champions glory |
| Michelle Agyemang | Brighton/Arsenal | Breakout forward, UCL impact |
| Linda Caicedo | Real Madrid | Copa de la Reina, int’l star |
This spread shows that if you want to predict a winner this year, you need to weigh World Cup, Champions League, and domestic exploits—all while considering a fierce voting competition between established champions and next-gen bright lights.
VII. Kopa and Yashin Trophy Nominees: Future Stars and Goalkeepers Step Forward: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
Kopa Trophy: Showcasing the Best Young Talent
This Ceremonie Ballon D’OR Preview introduces you to breakthrough players under 21. On the men’s side:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Previous winner and favorite to repeat.
- Désiré Doué (PSG): Champions League standout, UCL Final MVP.
- Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), João Neves (PSG), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), and others: Defensive and midfield maestros with senior roles.
For women, 2025’s inaugural shortlist features:
- Michelle Agyemang (Brighton/Arsenal)
- Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
- Vicky López (Barcelona)
- Claudia Martínez Ovando (Olimpia)
- Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea)
You get a tangible sense of the future—from South America to Africa to Europe, youth is now at the forefront.
Yashin Trophy: The Grand Stage for Goalkeepers
The 2025 Ceremonie Ballon D’OR Preview breaks ground, awarding the Yashin Trophy to both men and women for the first time.
Men’s Nominees
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Man City)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), last year’s winner.
- Jan Oblak (Atlético), Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Lucas Chevalier (Lille), David Raya (Arsenal), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), Yann Sommer (Inter)
Women’s Nominees
- Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
- Cata Coll (Barcelona)
- Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC/Brighton)
- Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal)
No longer are keepers in the Ballon d’Or’s shadow. With the expanded women’s Yashin Trophy, shot-stopping brilliance is center stage for both sides of the game.
VIII. Gerd Müller Trophy: Celebrating the Prolific Goal-Scorers: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
Scoring brilliance is finally acknowledged in its own right—both for men and, newly, for women. For the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026, you’re seeing the top finishers in world football rise above the noise:
- Previous men’s awardees include Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Robert Lewandowski.
- For women, 2025 marks the debut: Names like Barbra Banda, Ewa Pajor, and Aitana Bonmatí are expected on the shortlist.
The key for your analysis—scorers who combined domestic and international consistency can clinch this trophy, regardless of whether they claim the main Ballon d’Or title.
IX. Johan Cruyff Trophies: Coaches at the Core: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
Finally, in the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026, football’s architects—the coaches—stand in the limelight, with the Johan Cruyff awards recognizing visionary leadership.
Men’s Shortlist
- Luis Enrique (PSG): Orchestrated a historic treble including Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League.
- Hansi Flick (Barcelona): First-ever domestic treble for the club.
- Antonio Conte (Napoli): Revitalized Napoli into Serie A champions.
- Enzo Maresca (Chelsea): Won UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.
- Arne Slot (Liverpool): PL winner in his debut season.
Women’s Shortlist
- Sarina Wiegman (England): Guided England to Euros glory.
- Renée Slegers (Arsenal): Champions League winner.
- Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea): Domestic treble, undefeated.
- Arthur Elias (Brazil): Copa América winner.
- Justine Madugu (Nigeria): Africa Cup of Nations winner.
Coaches who manage to synthesize tactics, team harmony, and silverware earn this prestigious accolade—the preview for you is to assess not only results, but how a manager’s philosophy set the tone for a generational season.
X. Club of the Year: The Powerhouses of 2024/25: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
If you love football as a collective sport, the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 Club of the Year honors gives you a look at the organizations driving the game forward.
Men’s Nominees
- Barcelona (Spain)
- Botafogo (Brazil)
- Chelsea (England)
- Liverpool (England)
- Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Women’s Nominees
- Arsenal (England)
- Barcelona (Spain)
- Chelsea (England)
- OL Lyonnes (France)
- Orlando Pride (United States)
What do these clubs share? A blend of home-grown talent, world-class acquisitions, trophy hauls, and seismic influence on the game. For you, these nominations clarify the clubs worthy of your attention as models of excellence across all levels and cultures of football.
XI. Sócrates Award: Football’s Heart and Social Impact: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
Unique to the Ballon d’Or ecosystem, the Sócrates Award goes beyond trophies. This year, the Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 brings attention to those changing lives through social initiatives, advocacy, and charity—footballers who act for good.
Last year’s honoree, Jennifer Hermoso, set the standard. For 2025/26, the shortlist hasn’t yet been published, but look for leading players who champion causes like gender equity, anti-racism, and global health. With media focus and football’s reach, the winner will inspire you to see athletes as leaders far beyond the pitch.
XII. Historical Trends and the Shape of the Modern Ballon d’Or Winner: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
Evolution of Selection Patterns
If you want to understand who’s likely to win, consider these established patterns:
- Attacking Players Dominate: Since 1995, defenders and goalkeepers rarely win. Playmakers, wingers, and strikers are favorites.
- Trophy Bias: Success at club and national level still weighs heavily—even the finest season by a non-champion can lose to a treble-winner with great stats.
- Younger Winners: The Ballon d’Or’s average age has dropped, with more young stars now holding serious sway—thanks to rapid development and tactical trust in youth.
- Club Concentration: In 2025, just a handful of “super clubs” (e.g., PSG, Barcelona, Liverpool) provide most nominees, a contrast to previous eras where more leagues and mid-table teams had representation.
Table: Position and League Bias in Recent Ballon d’Or Laureates
| Era | Dominant Winner Profiles | Impacted By |
|---|---|---|
| 1956–1994 | European midfielders/forwards | Club/National Cups |
| 1995–2006 | Brazilian/European attackers | Champions League |
| 2007–2023 | Messi, Ronaldo, select attackers | La Liga, UCL Bias |
| 2024 onward | Youth, superclub stars, rare GKs | Global focus, stats |
XIII. 2025/26 Favorites, Power Rankings, and Dark Horses: Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026
Main Ballon d’Or Contenders
Your Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 highlights these as front-runners (as of September 2025):
- Ousmane Dembélé: PSG’s treble-winner, dual threat with goals and assists.
- Lamine Yamal: Youngest candidate with a mind-blowing season at Barcelona.
- Raphinha, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah, Mbappé, Cole Palmer: Top five rankings, but with caveats of team success or individual vs. collective bias.
- Dark horses: Players like Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Erling Haaland—if team results catch up to individual brilliance, they could sneak onto the podium.
Power Rankings Table: Who’s Leading the Race?
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Club(s) | Notable 2024/25 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ousmane Dembélé | France | PSG | 35G+16A, UCL champion |
| 2 | Lamine Yamal | Spain | Barcelona | 18G/25A, La Liga winner |
| 3 | Vitinha | Portugal | PSG | 8G/5A, crucial in big matches |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Liverpool | 29G/18A, PL Player of Year |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé | France | Real Madrid | 31G La Liga, top scorer |
| 6 | Cole Palmer | England | Chelsea | PL Player of the Year, CWC hero |
You’ll notice the top is heavily influenced by this season’s UCL performances and decisive domestic moments. If you’re betting or predicting, don’t discount the dynamism of a late tournament victory or international glory as season-defining.
XV. Frequently Asked Reader Questions: Ceremonie Ballon D’OR Preview (2025/26)
Q: How are the Ballon d’Or nominees selected? A: An editorial panel at France Football compiles a 30-player shortlist based on season performance, trophies, and overall impact. A specialized international jury then votes.
Q: Can goalkeepers and defenders win? A: Technically yes, but it remains very rare—bonus trophies now spotlight these positions, but attackers receive the lion’s share of votes.
Q: Can you have two players from one club in the final top three? A: Yes, and it’s common among super clubs, although they sometimes split their vote and hurt each other’s chance of winning.
Q: Is the ceremony open to the public? A: The Théâtre du Châtelet is invite-only for attendees, but media and broadcast partners provide extensive behind-the-scenes coverage and interviews.
Q: What changes in 2025/26 should I most watch for? A: Watch for the triple debut of women’s Kopa, Yashin, and Gerd Müller Trophies, which signal a new era of recognition for women’s football.
XVI. Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: Your Ultimate Takeaways
This comprehensive Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 has equipped you with:
- Historical context for why the Ballon d’Or stands alone in terms of prestige.
- Dates, viewing tips, and award structure for the 2025/26 ceremony.
- Insightful breakdowns of key awards—Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or, new categories, and the importance of club, youth, coaching, and humanitarian honors.
- Profiles and stats on this season’s top nominees, from superstars like Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí to next-gen giants like Lamine Yamal and Linda Caicedo.
- Voting system details so you can argue or analyze outcomes with authority.
- SEO-friendly advice if your goal is to engage audiences or build your audience through digital content.
XVII. Get Involved: Call to Action
Now it’s your turn! Who’s your top choice for this year’s Ballon d’Or? Which underdog do you believe could make a surprise leap, and what new award excites you most? Leave your comment, join the conversation online, and share this Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 with your network using #BallonDORPreview and #CeremonyBallonDOR. Football is more than a game—add your voice to the global debate!
Stay tuned right here for Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026 updates—because this year’s Ballon d’Or is truly a world event that no football lover can afford to miss.
Ballon D’OR Preview 2025/2026: Mark the date, watch the stars, and make your voice heard—let’s celebrate football, legacy, and the next generation of global icons together!