PARIS : With the prestigious ceremony set to take place in Paris on September 22, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is heating up following an unforgettable 2024–25 season that saw record-breaking performances and historic club triumphs.

Leading the charge is PSG’s Ousmane Dembele, whose sensational form powered the French giants to a historic treble, including their long-awaited first UEFA Champions League title. The winger is the bookmakers’ favourite, but faces stiff competition from within his own squad, particularly from standout teammate Vitinha and defensive star Achraf Hakimi.

Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal also features prominently on the list after a breakout season that captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. His dazzling displays have already earned comparisons to some of the game’s greatest.

Meanwhile, Raphinha played a key role alongside Yamal in Barcelona’s campaign, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah produced yet another brilliant season, contributing heavily to the Reds’ domestic league title with outstanding goal and assist stats.

This year’s award takes into account performances across all competitions, including the recent FIFA Club World Cup. Rodri, who claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2024, will not defend his crown, setting the stage for a fresh face to lift the golden ball.

With the countdown to September 22 underway, all eyes now turn to Paris to see who will etch their name into footballing history.

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