The football world is buzzing following the announcement of the shortlists for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, an event that signals a clear shift in the sport's power dynamics. With the names of football's elite now public, a few key narratives are taking center stage, highlighting the incredible seasons of clubs and countries alike.
PSG's Historic Domination of the Men's Shortlist
In a truly unprecedented display of team success, Paris Saint-Germain has a staggering nine players nominated for the men's Ballon d'Or. This record-breaking number of nominees comes after a sensational campaign that saw the French giants claim a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. The list is headlined by their instrumental attackers, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as well as midfielders Vitinha and João Neves. The sheer number of PSG representatives underscores the team's collective brilliance and a season of consistent, top-tier performance across the squad.
Arsenal's Ascendance on Both Stages
Arsenal's remarkable season has also been recognized, with the club's players featuring prominently on both the men's and women's shortlists. On the men's side, midfielder Declan Rice and striker Viktor Gyökeres have earned nominations after their standout seasons. The women's side, however, is where the Gunners truly shine. Their squad is heavily represented on the women's Ballon d'Or shortlist following a season where they won the UEFA Women's Champions League. Among the nominees are stars like Mariona Caldentey, Steph Catley, and Frida Maanum.
England's Lionesses Roar into Contention
Fresh off their triumph at the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, five players from the England squad have been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or. This impressive list includes captain Leah Williamson, forward Alessia Russo, and winger Chloe Kelly, all of whom played crucial roles in securing the European title. They are joined by Lucy Bronze and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who also had an exceptional season, earning a nomination for the Women's Yashin Trophy. The strong English presence is a testament to the nation's success on the international stage and the growing global recognition of women's football talent.
A Changing of the Guard
The 2025 Ballon d'Or shortlists signal a new era. The absence of long-time dominant figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the men's list marks a monumental moment, paving the way for new contenders to claim football's most prestigious individual award. With a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents, the race for the Golden Ball is wide open, promising an exciting and unpredictable ceremony.
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