When is the 2025 Ballon d'Or Ceremony and How Can You Watch It Live?
Published: 2025-09-22 09:38:11 | Category: Football
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place tonight in Paris, celebrating the best football players of the 2024/25 season. This prestigious award, which has seen controversies in the past, promises to crown a new winner this year, as last year's champion, Rodri, is sidelined due to injury.
Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- The Ballon d'Or ceremony starts at 8pm BST tonight in Paris.
- Ousmane Dembele is the favourite to win after a stellar season with PSG.
- First-time winners are guaranteed as Rodri is unable to compete.
- The event will be streamed live on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.
- Various other awards, including the Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy, will also be presented.
What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by France Football. It honours the best male and female football players worldwide, based on their performance over the previous season. Unlike other accolades, the Ballon d'Or is determined through a voting process involving journalists from the top 100 countries in FIFA's rankings, ensuring a global perspective on talent.
Details of the Ceremony
Tonight’s ceremony is being held at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, a venue renowned for its cultural significance. The event is scheduled to start at 8pm BST, with the ceremony being hosted by Kate Scott and former Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit. Though it won't be aired live on UK television, fans can catch the full event for free on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel and website.
Nominees and Contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2025
This year’s award has a fresh dynamic, as last year’s winner, Rodri, is out of contention due to a serious knee injury sustained during the previous season. His absence means a new winner will be crowned, adding intrigue to this evening's proceedings.
The frontrunner for this year's award is Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain forward had an outstanding season, contributing significantly to his team's treble victory. If he secures the award, he will be the first French player to win since Karim Benzema in 2022.
Other Notable Contenders
Dembele faces competition from several rising stars. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, a talented young player, is also in contention after a remarkable season. His teammate, Raphinha, may also have a chance, alongside Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, who boosted his team's performance to clinch the Premier League title last season. While Salah is viewed as a long shot, his contributions cannot be overlooked.
Additional Awards at the Ceremony
Beyond the prestigious Ballon d'Or, the ceremony will also feature other significant awards. The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best men’s under-21 player, has Yamal as the heavy favourite for a consecutive win, although Myles Lewis-Skelly and Estevao are also on the shortlist.
The Yashin Trophy, recognising the best goalkeeper of the year, sees Premier League players like David Raya, Alisson Becker, Matz Sels, and Emi Martinez competing for the honour. Additionally, managerial excellence will be acknowledged, with Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca shortlisted for men's coach of the year, while WSL managers Renee Slegers and Sonia Bompastor are nominated for the women's coach award.
How the Voting Process Works
One unique aspect of the Ballon d'Or is its voting system. Unlike many football awards that involve players’ votes, the Ballon d'Or is determined solely by journalists. Each journalist selects their top ten players, ranking them in order of performance. Points are then awarded based on these rankings, with the player accumulating the most points being declared the winner. This method aims to encapsulate a wide array of perspectives from around the world, enhancing the award’s credibility.
What to Expect Tonight
As the awards ceremony unfolds, fans can expect a blend of anticipation and excitement. The spotlight will be on the nominees, particularly Dembele and Yamal, as they vie for the coveted title. The atmosphere at the Théâtre du Châtelet is expected to be electric, celebrating not just individual achievements but the beautiful game itself.
What Happens Next?
Following the ceremony, discussions will likely revolve around the outcomes and any potential surprises. The implications of the awards extend beyond mere accolades; they can influence club dynamics, player morale, and future transfers. Furthermore, the ceremony will set the stage for the upcoming season, as players aim to emulate the success of this year's winners.
Conclusion
The Ballon d'Or ceremony tonight promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the best of football talent from the past season. As fans eagerly await the results, it is clear that the legacy of this prestigious award continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport. Who will emerge victorious tonight, and what impact will it have on the football landscape? Only time will tell.
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FAQs
When does the Ballon d'Or ceremony take place?
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for tonight at 8pm BST.
Where is the Ballon d'Or ceremony held?
The ceremony is taking place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, a renowned cultural venue.
How can I watch the Ballon d'Or ceremony in the UK?
The event will not be aired live on TV in the UK but can be watched for free on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel and website.
Who are the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or this year?
The key contenders include Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Mohamed Salah, with Dembele being the favourite.
What is the voting process for the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or winner is decided by journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries, who rank their top ten players. Points are awarded based on these rankings.
