he footballing world holds its breath. On Monday, the illustrious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris will once again play host to the sport’s most prestigious individual honour: the Ballon d’Or. For over a decade and a half, two names – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – dominated this stage, sharing an astonishing 13 awards between 2008 and 2023. But as a new era firmly takes hold, the spotlight shifts, and all eyes are firmly fixed on Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic forward, Ousmane Dembélé, who is tipped to claim the men’s prize.
Dembélé’s Golden Season and PSG’s European Triumph
Last year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri lifted the golden ball after captaining Spain to Euro 2024 glory. However, with Rodri sidelined last season by injuries, the path has cleared for a new favourite to emerge. And what a favourite Ousmane Dembélé has become.
At 28, Dembélé has enjoyed a truly magnificent campaign, not just personally, but as the spearhead of a history-making Paris Saint-Germain side. He filled the colossal void left by Kylian Mbappé’s departure, scoring a staggering 35 goals across all competitions. This incredible output was instrumental in PSG’s domestic clean sweep and, most significantly, their first-ever Champions League crown, secured with a dazzling 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan. Their journey also took them to the Club World Cup final, rounding off an extraordinary year for the French club and their transformed winger-turned-centre-forward.
“It is nice after what was a wonderful season with PSG,” Dembélé told Le Monde when asked about his leading contender status. “I think it’s true that I am one of the favourites, but we will see what happens.”
The Parisian dominance is undeniable, with an astonishing nine members of their Champions League-winning squad among the 30 nominees, including Desire Doue, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and even former goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (now at Manchester City). While many of his teammates will unfortunately miss the glitzy ceremony due to a rescheduled Ligue 1 match, Dembélé, currently injured, will be able to attend and potentially receive his coveted award.
Yamal: The Future Arrives Early
While Dembélé is the clear favourite, a sensation from Barcelona stands ready to challenge, and perhaps, eventually, claim the mantle: Lamine Yamal. Still just 18 years old, Yamal has emerged as a prodigious talent on the wing for Barcelona, widely hailed as the heir apparent to Lionel Messi himself.
Last year’s Kopa Trophy winner for the best player under 21 – coincidentally, after helping Spain to European Championship glory – Yamal continued his meteoric rise, scoring 18 goals in 55 games across all competitions. His contributions helped Barcelona secure La Liga and the Spanish Copa del Rey, though their Champions League journey ended in the semi-finals against Inter.
Yamal’s ambition is palpable: “I don’t dream of winning one Ballon d’Or, I dream of winning lots,” he recently declared. His presence on the shortlist at such a tender age is a testament to his immense talent and a clear indicator of a golden future ahead.
Bonmatí’s Bid for a Historic Treble
On the women’s side, the narrative is one of continuing dominance. Barcelona and Spain’s midfield maestro, Aitana Bonmatí, is poised to make history by winning her third consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or. Her incredible consistency and invaluable contributions for club and country have made her the undisputed queen of women’s football, and her expected victory would further cement her legendary status.
A New Chapter for Football’s Top Prize
This year’s Ballon d’Or also marks a significant shift: the award is now voted for based on achievements during the last season, rather than over a calendar year, providing a clearer reflection of a player’s immediate impact.
Beyond the top contenders, the nominee list features a host of elite talent, including Viktor Gyokeres, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, and Liverpool’s key duo from their 2024-2025 Premier League triumph, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior also feature, a year after Real Madrid controversially boycotted the ceremony over Vinicius’ perceived snub.
The winners are decided by a panel of esteemed journalists – one from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA world rankings for the men’s award, and the top 50 for the women’s.
As the lights dim at the Theatre du Chatelet on Monday, this year’s Ballon d’Or feels different. It’s not just about celebrating individual brilliance, but about witnessing a true changing of the guard, a moment that heralds a new era in football’s most coveted individual honour. Whether it’s Dembélé capping a career-defining season, Yamal signaling a future dynasty, or Bonmatí etching her name deeper into the history books, Monday promises to be an unforgettable night.
