The 2025 edition of the Ballon d’Or now has an official date. This year, the traditional ceremony organized by L’Équipe and France Football will be held earlier than usual, taking place on Monday, September 22 in Paris — a perfect chance for rising stars like Lamine Yamal to dream of reaching football’s highest honor.

Early Ceremony With Major Changes

Unlike previous years, when the event was typically held in October at the renowned Théâtre du Châtelet, this time the awards gala will take place a few weeks earlier. Additionally, the 2025 edition will feature some notable changes regarding individual trophies.

For the first time ever, the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), and Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer), previously awarded only in the men’s category, will also be presented in the women’s category. This decision marks a step forward in promoting equity and recognizing talent across the global football scene.

Lamine Yamal, a Rising Star in the Awards Conversation

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has enjoyed a standout season with FC Barcelona, playing a key role in the club’s title-winning campaigns and helping reestablish their dominant style of play. His creativity, vision, and crucial goals have earned him a spot among the top contenders for the Kopa Trophy, with some even daring to place him in the Ballon d’Or conversation itself — an extraordinary feat for someone so young.

While competing against global stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, or Jude Bellingham won’t be easy, Yamal’s breakout on the European stage makes him a name to watch closely. On September 22, the football world will find out if the young Barça talent can make history.

Thanks to his skill, consistency, and maturity, Lamine Yamal has shown he’s not only the present of Barcelona, but also a legitimate contender to dominate the global football scene in the coming years. Paris could be the place where his legend officially begins.