The Upcoming Celebration of Football Excellence

The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the most celebrated footballers in the world will gather. This annual event, scheduled for 2025, aims to honor the sport’s finest talents from the past year.

Top Contenders for the Iconic Trophy

Among the favorites to clinch the coveted Ballon d’Or are:

• Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Raphinha (Barcelona)

The competition is high as these players showcase exceptional skills and performances throughout the season.

Real Madrid’s Notable Absence

This year will mark the second consecutive occasion where Real Madrid opts not to participate in the gala. The decision is attributed to dissatisfaction regarding the treatment of their star player, Kylian Mbappé.

Understanding the Prize

A common misconception surrounding the Ballon d’Or is the expectation of a hefty cash prize for the winners in both men’s and women’s categories. Contrary to this belief, recipients receive only the esteemed statuette, valued at approximately 3,000 euros. There is no direct financial compensation attached to winning the award.

The Real Value of Winning

While the lack of monetary reward might seem disappointing, the implications of winning the Ballon d’Or are substantial. Achieving this prestigious distinction elevates a player’s status and grants them global recognition, which often leads to greater opportunities within the sport and beyond.

Full List of Nominees

This year’s lineup of nominees reflects a diverse pool of talent, including notable names such as:

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
• Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
• Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
• And many others…

Live Coverage Details

Football fans can catch all the excitement of the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony live on the Sony Sports Network in India. For those wanting to stream the event, it will also be available on the Sony Liv app and website.