Football

The 2025 Ballon d'Or nominees have been announced, featuring some of the world's top football talent. The awards ceremony is set to take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Men's Ballon d'Or Nominees:* - Top Contenders: - Ousmane Dembélé: PSG's French winger is considered the frontrunner after helping his team win their maiden UEFA Champions League title. - Lamine Yamal: The 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy has been pivotal in his team's domestic campaign, winning all domestic honors last season. - Mohamed Salah: Liverpool's Egyptian King had an exceptional season, emerging as a goal machine and helping his team end Manchester City's dominance in the English football circuit. Other Notable Nominees: - Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid's English midfielder - Erling Haaland Manchester City's Norwegian striker - Kylian Mbappé: Real Madrid's French superstar - Robert Lewandowski: Barcelona's Polish striker Women's Ballon d'Or Nominees: - Top Contenders: - Aitana Bonmatí: Barcelona's Spanish midfielder and reigning champion - Lucy Bronze: Chelsea's English defender - Barbara Banda: Orlando Pride's Zambian striker The winners will be determined by an international panel of specialized journalists, who will vote based on individual and team performances, accomplishments, class, and fair play