Our 2025 Ballon d’Or Picks: Nominees and Justifications

The highly anticipated Ballon d`Or shortlist was unveiled on Thursday, revealing the top footballers globally who are contenders for football`s most prestigious individual award.

A panel of 100 journalists from leading football nations typically determines the winners for most categories, excluding the Kopa Trophy. This exclusive group rotates annually, and while our organization wasn`t included this year (no hard feelings, we swear!), that won`t prevent us from sharing our picks.

First, let`s outline our methodology, mirroring the official voters` process. We`ll present our top 10 for both the Men`s and Women`s Ballon d`Or, a top three for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), a top two for Coach of the Year, and our selection for Club of the Year. Lacking personal Ballon d`Or wins, we won`t vote for the Kopa Trophy. Our assessments are based on achievements during the 2024-25 season, specifically from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. This timeframe means events like the Women`s Euros are fully considered, as is the Club World Cup – though we acknowledge its somewhat debatable impact on determining the sport`s best players.

For those who`ve followed our recent analysis, our top pick for the Men`s Ballon d`Or will come as no surprise. Mohamed Salah`s position as the leading contender has been, to say the least, debated. While the Egyptian forward didn`t secure the Champions League, much of his exceptional performance occurred early in the season, paving the way for Liverpool`s unexpected title run. Ultimately, his campaign—boasting 34 goals and 23 assists—is undeniable, especially given he matched Premier League records from longer, 42-game seasons.

In terms of sheer statistical output, Barcelona`s Raphinha is a close second. He also concluded the 2024-25 season with achievements that few could have foreseen. Though he may have played more matches, the Brazilian equaled Cristiano Ronaldo`s record of 21 goal contributions in a Champions League season, a milestone many considered unattainable. As the top player in La Liga, Raphinha would be a deserving winner, but the emerging brilliance of Lamine Yamal could potentially divide the Barcelona vote.

However, none of the aforementioned players are the bookmakers` overwhelming favorite. Betting on Ousmane Dembele, the standout performer in Paris Saint-Germain`s Champions League victory, would yield little return. For many, ultimately, success in terms of trophies and medals carries the most weight.

It will be interesting to observe if this emphasis on trophies influences the Women`s Ballon d`Or voting as well. Aitana Bonmati remains the favorite, and it`s challenging to argue against her or Alexia Putellas as the world`s best. Yet, in their season`s most crucial matches, these Barcelona teammates faced defeat. Does this mean an Arsenal English player, like Alessia Russo or Leah Williamson, should be considered the world`s best due to their performances in the Champions League and Euros finals?

There`s no definitive answer to that query, which is precisely why the Ballon d`Or debate is so captivating, often contentious, and occasionally absurd (yes, Real Madrid, we`re looking at you). Football is a team sport; so, is the top individual player the one who contributed most to the most successful team, or simply the one with the highest statistical output? Is it the 2017 Russell Westbrook or Kawhi Leonard dilemma? It`s consistently more subjective than scientific, but a decision must be made. The time is now, so here are our votes for the 2025 Ballon d`Or winners:

Men`s Ballon d`Or

1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
2. Raphinha (Barcelona/Brazil)
3. Ousmane Dembele (PSG/France)
4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG and Napoli/Georgia)
5. Pedri (Barcelona/Spain)
6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
7. Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco)
8. Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
9. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
10. Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)

Women`s Ballon d`Or

1. Alessia Russo (Arsenal/England)
2. Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC/Spain)
3. Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC/Germany)
4. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain)
5. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona/Spain)
6. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England)
7. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
8. Temwa Chawinga (KC Current/Malawi)
9. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride/Zambia)
10. Lucy Bronze (Chelsea/England)

Women`s Yashin Trophy

1. Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC/Germany)
2. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England)
3. Cata Coll (Barcelona/Spain)

Men`s Yashin Trophy

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
2. Alisson (Liverpool/Brazil)
3. David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)

Men`s Coach of the Year

1. Luis Enrique (PSG)
2. Hansi Flick (Barcelona)

Women`s Coach of the Year

1. Sarina Wiegman (England)
2. Seb Hines (Orlando Pride)
3. Renee Slegers (Arsenal)

Women`s Club of the Year

1. Orlando Pride

Men`s Club of the Year

1. Paris Saint-Germain