The nominees for the Barondo awards highlight the major players in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Women’s Euro, hinting at some exciting potential for new recipients of top honors in both men’s and women’s soccer. Among the men, nine players from Paris Saint-Germain, including stars Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, have made the cut, coming just months after the club clinched its inaugural Champions League title.
Notable contenders also include Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, who had a remarkable season leading to his second Premier League title, and rising talent Ramin Yamal from Barcelona, who helped his team secure the domestic double. Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is back on the nominee list after boycotting last year due to frustrations about awards processes.
On the women’s side, standout players from the British Women’s Euro-winning squad, such as Alessia Russo and Lucy Bronze, are among the nominees. Two members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Emily Fox and Lindsey Horan, are also recognized, along with five players from the NWSL, including last season’s MVP.
France Football, the magazine behind the Barondo awards, has also revealed candidates in additional categories, such as the Copa Trophy for emerging talent, the Yasin Trophy for goalkeepers, and the Johann Cruyff Trophy to recognize the better teams and coaches. The winners will be unveiled in a ceremony scheduled for September 22 in Paris.
If a 2025 Ballon d’Or vote occurs, here are the candidates to consider and their compelling narratives.
James Benge
For a comprehensive list of nominees, see below.
Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
- Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain/Italy)
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France)
- Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid/Brazil)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter/Argentina)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)
Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
- Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea/France)
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona/Spain)
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea/England)
- Clara Mateo (Paris FC/France)
- Alesia Russo (Arsenal/England)
Men’s Copa Trophy Candidates
- Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille/France)
- Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona/Spain)
- Desire Dou (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
Women’s Copa Trophy Candidates
- Michelle Sexveld
- Linda Casedo (Real Madrid/Colombia)
- Vicky Lopez (Barcelona/Spain)
Men’s Yasin Trophy Candidates
- Allison Becker (Liverpool/Brazil)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/Belgium)
Women’s Yasin Trophy Candidates
- Ann-Katrin Berger (NJ/NY Gotham FC/Germany)
- Cata Coll (Barcelona/Spain)
Men’s Johann Cruyff Trophy Candidates
- Antonio Conte (Napoli)
- Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Johann Cruyff Trophy Candidates
- Sonia Bonpaser (Chelsea)
- Sarina Wiegman (England)
Men’s Club of the Year Nomination
- Barcelona (Spain)
- Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Women’s Club of the Year Nomination
- Arsenal (England)
- Barcelona (Spain)
Fan Take: The nomination of players and teams reflects not only their hard work over the season but also the growing competitiveness in soccer, which is vital for the sport’s evolution. The anticipation surrounding the awards, especially in a year of significant accomplishments, could inspire players and teams to elevate their performances even further.
