As the football world turns its attention to the iconic Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, anticipation is building ahead of Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele is the frontrunner to capture the prestigious men’s award, while Spain’s Aitana Bonmati could make history with a third straight Ballon d’Or Féminin. The stage is set for a night that may redefine legacies and spotlight rising stars.
Dembele Poised to Claim First Ballon d’Or After Stellar Season
Ousmane Dembele’s transformation from a dynamic winger to PSG’s main attacking threat has placed him firmly in pole position for this year’s Ballon d’Or. With Kylian Mbappe’s departure last season, Dembele stepped up in extraordinary fashion, netting 35 goals across competitions and guiding PSG to a domestic treble. His contributions were pivotal as the French giants clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan.
Now 28, Dembele has emerged as the top candidate among a PSG-heavy nomination list, which includes eight of his teammates. Despite missing the final league match due to injury, Dembele is expected to attend the Paris ceremony.
It’s nice after what was a wonderful season with PSG, I think it’s true that I am one of the favourites, but we will see what happens.
Dembele said in an interview with Le Monde.
Lamine Yamal: The Teen Prodigy Chasing Greatness
While Dembele dominates headlines, 18-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has captured the imagination of fans and voters alike. Fresh off winning the Kopa Trophy for best U21 player last year, Yamal enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring 18 goals in 55 appearances and helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Though Barca fell short in the Champions League semifinals, Yamal’s maturity and flair on the wing have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi — and expectations are soaring.
“I don’t dream of winning one Ballon d’Or — I dream of winning lots,” Yamal recently said, signaling his ambitions for the future.
Other Contenders: Stars from Across Europe
The Ballon d’Or voting — now based solely on the previous season’s performances rather than the calendar year — also includes several high-profile names. Among the nominees are:
- Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, who both delivered prolific scoring campaigns
- Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, the driving forces behind Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title
- Viktor Gyokeres, Cole Palmer, and Vinicius Junior, who returns to the ballot a year after Real Madrid’s boycott
Manchester City midfielder Rodri, last year’s winner, misses out after an injury-hit season.
Wide-Open Ballon d’Or Féminin Race as Bonmati Eyes a Third
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmati aims to become the first woman to win three consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin awards. The 27-year-old Barcelona midfielder was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 but experienced mixed fortunes in club and international finals. Spain lost the Euro final to England on penalties, and Barcelona were defeated by Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Without a clear standout from England’s winning squad, Bonmati remains the bookmakers’ favourite. However, teammates like Alexia Putellas — herself a two-time winner — and several England stars could challenge for the honor.
England’s finalists include:
- Lucy Bronze
- Leah Williamson
- Alessia Russo
- Hannah Hampton
- Chloe Kelly, who scored the title-winning penalty
The women’s award is voted on by journalists from the top 50 FIFA-ranked countries.
What to Expect at the Ceremony
The Ballon d’Or gala promises another glamorous night as football royalty gathers in the French capital. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer dominating the stage, a new era is unfolding — and Monday’s announcement may mark the dawn of fresh dynasties, both in men’s and women’s football.
