The anticipation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is building, particularly with Ousmane Dembele now emerging as a favorite for the prestigious award. While the award itself won’t be presented until September 22, the lack of an international tournament this summer has seemingly solidified Dembele’s status as a leading contender among online bookmakers, who have significantly trimmed his odds. At 28 years old, the French international has finally started to showcase the immense potential he demonstrated during his initial years with Borussia Dortmund prior to his high-profile transfer to Barcelona in 2017, which came at a staggering initial fee of €105 million.
As Dembele enters what many see as the peak of his career, he faces fierce competition from his own teammate, Lamine Yamal, who represents the next generation of talent. The two players are set to go head-to-head in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals where France will compete against Spain. This match could play a pivotal role in influencing the perceptions of both players as contenders for the Ballon d’Or. While Dembele is now thriving in his prime, Yamal represents the limitless potential of youth, showcasing just how colorful and competitive the landscape of modern football is.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, the prolific forward for Liverpool, is also in the running but may be approaching a critical juncture in his career. Salah’s consistent form, exemplified by 29 goals and 18 assists leading to Liverpool securing the Premier League title, cannot be understated. However, his team’s inability to progress beyond the last 16 in the Champions League may dampen his chances when ballots are cast this September.
### Who are the Ballon d’Or 2025 contenders?
As the drama unfolds, the current odds for the 2025 Ballon d’Or contenders paint an intriguing picture of the competition. Ousmane Dembele stands tall at 4/9, while his young compatriot Lamine Yamal follows at 11/4. Other notable names include Salah at 12/1, as well as Raphinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and touted goalkeepers like Gianluigi Donnarumma also making the list at odds of 33/1.
The odds further extend to characters such as Lautaro Martinez and Desire Doue, who share the same odds, while well-known figures like Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe find themselves further down the list at 50/1, indicating the vast field talent competing for this coveted title.
### When is the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Mark your calendars, as the grand announcement for the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is set for September 22, hosted at the iconic Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. This evening will not only crown the finest player in football but also showcase several other awards celebrating exceptional contributions throughout the season, including the Ballon d’Or Féminin, Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21, the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, and various accolades recognizing the best manager and best team in both men’s and women’s football categories. The Gerd Muller Trophy for the highest-scoring men’s player and the Socrates Award for the footballer with notable humanitarian efforts will be presented as well.
### Deschamps backs Dembele for Ballon d’Or
As the tournament progresses, France’s head coach Didier Deschamps has openly expressed his support for Dembele, asserting that the forward deserves the accolade this year. His contributions to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic success in clinching their first European Cup have been monumental, with an impressive tally of 33 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. This performance has already earned him the title of Champions League Player of the Season.
Deschamps stated, “Of course I am for Ousmane, since he is French and with the season he is celebrating.” He also acknowledged that upcoming matches, including the ongoing Nations League and the Club World Cup, could influence final decisions in the awards. He maintains a confident outlook regarding Dembele’s candidacy, saying, “If you ask me about the Spaniards, I don’t think they will tell you the same thing. But obviously, Ousmane, with the season he is having, deserves it.”
As anticipation builds for the semi-finals, both France and Spain are vying for a position in the finals against Portugal, who won their semi-final match against Germany 2-1. All eyes will be on the performances, not only for the national glory at stake but also for shaping the narrative of the Ballon d’Or race as the season unfolds.