Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) seems to have had a pretty major role in determining the Ballon d’Or 2025 nominee list. The club is fortunate to have nine players nominated this year. PSG recently concluded a historic season in many respects. They won the Ligue 1 title, won the French Cup, and won the vaunted Champions League. Their success was evident in their bright and shining performances. Ousmane Dembele was an important contributor to getting those fantastic outcomes.
Dembele’s stunning numbers for the season stand at 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions. His creativity propelled PSG to a domestic treble and success in the UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 16s. Yet for all the success on the domestic front this season, the team imploded in the Club World Cup to finish as runners up to Chelsea. This significant loss does not color their record on the whole.
Notable Nominations
In addition to Dembele, three other PSG stars have made a splash this week. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi are in the running, though, as part of the 30 nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or. Their standout performances this season have separated them as the top players at their positions. This highlights the amazing talent and depth on the team.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s head coach, has received a nomination for the men’s Coach of the Year award. He’s joined by Enzo Maresca and the brilliant Arne Slot. After incalculable success with their teams during the last year, both have found extensive recognition and praise. Enrique’s tactical prowess and ability to maximize player potential have been crucial in PSG’s successful campaign.
Other Contenders
The field is exceptionally competitive this year for the men’s Ballon d’Or. Many remarkable contenders are actively competing for the coveted accolade. Barcelona’s Raphinha has a strong record at this level with 34 goals and 25 assists. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland both knocked in bushels of goals—34, in fact, setting a new record. Salah had 23 assists too, while Haaland contributed five assists to his total.
In the women’s category, Marta has made headlines by securing a nomination for the women’s Ballon d’Or at the age of 39, following her leadership in Brazil’s Copa America victory. She is not the only diverse nominee this close to home. Five other players from England’s victorious Euros team—Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson—follow her on the list. Their individual contributions have been a barometer for England’s overall success in this golden period of international women’s football over the last 12 months.
Scott McTominay’s nomination was historic, as he was the first Scotsman nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or in 38 years. His winning ways with Napoli were an important part of winning the club’s first Serie A title. Together this combined nomination represents his individual contributions as well as his overall importance to the success of his team.
Coaching Excellence
The women’s Coach of the Year category is filled with strong candidates Sonia Bompastor, Renee Slegers, and Sarina Wiegman. Each coach has demonstrated exceptional leadership and tactical acumen, guiding their teams through challenging competitions and achieving significant milestones.
Aitana Bonmati is the reigning women’s Ballon d’Or after an amazing season. The competition is definitely fierce! All eyes will continue to watch her in 2024, when she’ll need to defend her crown against a flood of new talent.
