The 2024–25 season has come to an end, but one big question remains unanswered: Who will win the 2025 Ballon d'Or? Although the award ceremony is scheduled for September 22, the next few days will be crucial, as the 100 journalists selected by France Football must submit their ballots before voting closes, at the end of August.

The list of 30 nominees will be revealed on August 7, and from that moment on, the final sprint for the prestigious award will begin. This edition promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several players making strong cases. However, one name stands out: Ousmane Dembélé.

When will the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting close?

France Football has set the voting deadline for late August, giving journalists a few weeks to thoroughly evaluate the candidates. It's a tight window, but it allows enough time to consider performances in key competitions, such as the Champions League, where Dembélé truly shined.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was instrumental in the club’s historic season, helping them win Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophée des Champions, and, most notably, the Champions League. With 35 goals and 16 assists, Dembélé not only posted impressive numbers but also drove the team forward in crucial moments, especially after moving into a central striker role.

Still, the race is not over. From FC Barcelona, young talent Lamine Yamal has emerged as a breakout star. At just 17 years old, he has already earned a spot among the top five favorites according to World Soccer magazine, and his influence in Barça’s attacking system makes him a legitimate option for voters.

Other contenders include Mohamed Salah, who contributed to 54 goals, and Raphinha, one of the most well-rounded wingers of the season. Achraf Hakimi, another PSG standout, also offers a strong case from a positional excellence standpoint.

Despite PSG’s defeat in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea, Dembélé’s overall narrative and season performance still put him a step ahead. His per-minute productivity is the highest in the world this season—something that could prove decisive in such a tight race.

Unless something major changes, the 2025 Ballon d'Or seems likely to go to a Frenchman: Ousmane Dembélé. But, as always, the final days before the voting deadline could shift everything.