The iconic magazine France Football has revealed the list of the 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon dOr, sparking a wave of surprise: neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo are included for the second consecutive year, marking the end of two decades of absolute dominance.
In their place, figures from a new elite of world football emerge. In the men’s category, the explosive youth of Lamine Yamal stands out, along with established stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Raphinha, and other leaders from clubs like PSG, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Inter, showing a diverse generational shift.
Spanish presence shines brightly:
Lamine Yamal is also in the running for the Kopa Trophy, while Rodri earns another nomination despite a season marked by injuries. In women’s football, Spain also has outstanding representation: Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Mariona Caldentey, and newcomer Vicky López, the first Spanish player to compete for the women’s Kopa Trophy.
Is the Messi-Ronaldo era in the Ballon d’Or coming to an end?
Yes. The absence of both from the list of nominees for two consecutive years points to a new era, where emerging figures take center stage in the fight for football’s most prestigious award.
