The French national football team is experiencing a rift between two of its biggest players: captain Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. The rift was sparked by Mbappe's comments regarding his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or in the coming weeks. Mbappe, who led France in the FIFA World Cup this year and is their highest goalscorer in tournament history, backed himself to win the award. Dembele, however, wasn't amused by his captain's choice of words and hit back after his Ligue 1 match for Paris Saint-Germain against Brest on Monday (Sep 14).<h2>What Mbappe said about Dembele</h2>In an interview with France Football, Mbappe said, "there wasn't anyone better than me last season," when asked about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-vars-involved-in-haaland-s-controversial-goal-vs-manchester-united-not-given-appointment-this-week-1789454931696">Premier League VARs, involved in Haaland's controversial goal vs Manchester United, not given appointment this week</a>He was asked about teammate Dembele as well and said: "He was always seen as a talented player. I, on the other hand, was always viewed as the chosen one. I reached the top right away, very early. Ousmane had a different trajectory, marked by injuries, but he has managed to bounce back!"<h2>How Dembele reacted to Mbappe's comments</h2>Dembele, who won the Ballon d'Or last year, appeared to respond to Mbappe's comments after PSG's 1-0 win over Brest, telling Ligue 1: "I've always been at the back of the class working hard. Throughout my career, I haven't said a word; I've worked incredibly hard. Like I said, I was never the chosen one, but I worked hard and last year I was rewarded after a fantastic year with Paris Saint-Germain. And this year, we'll see how it goes -- no pressure, taking it easy."The French forward backed Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Mbappe as his favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but added: "I don't think this trophy is unpredictable. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player."Dembele won the Ballon d'Or after scoring 35 goals for PSG across all competitions and winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League in a historic season under Luis Enrique.Mbappe, who left PSG in 2024 for Real Madrid, finished 7th despite scoring 44 goals in all competitions for the Spanish club.

A rift has emerged in the French squad after Kylian Mbappe claimed he was "the chosen one" for the Ballon d'Or, prompting a sharp response from 2025 winner Ousmane Dembele.

The French national football team is experiencing a rift between two of its biggest players: captain Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. The rift was sparked by Mbappe's comments regarding his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or in the coming weeks. Mbappe, who led France in the FIFA World Cup this year and is their highest goalscorer in tournament history, backed himself to win the award. Dembele, however, wasn't amused by his captain's choice of words and hit back after his Ligue 1 match for Paris Saint-Germain against Brest on Monday (Sep 14). What Mbappe said about Dembele In an interview with France Football, Mbappe said, "there wasn't anyone better than me last season," when asked about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or. Also Read - Premier League VARs, involved in Haaland's controversial goal vs Manchester United, not given appointment this week He was asked about teammate Dembele as well and said: "He was always seen as a talented player. I, on the other hand, was always viewed as the chosen one. I reached the top right away, very early. Ousmane had a different trajectory, marked by injuries, but he has managed to bounce back!" How Dembele reacted to Mbappe's comments Dembele, who won the Ballon d'Or last year, appeared to respond to Mbappe's comments after PSG's 1-0 win over Brest, telling Ligue 1: "I've always been at the back of the class working hard. Throughout my career, I haven't said a word; I've worked incredibly hard. Like I said, I was never the chosen one, but I worked hard and last year I was rewarded after a fantastic year with Paris Saint-Germain. And this year, we'll see how it goes -- no pressure, taking it easy." The French forward backed Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Mbappe as his favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but added: "I don't think this trophy is unpredictable. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player." Dembele won the Ballon d'Or after scoring 35 goals for PSG across all competitions and winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League in a historic season under Luis Enrique. Mbappe, who left PSG in 2024 for Real Madrid, finished 7th despite scoring 44 goals in all competitions for the Spanish club.

A rift has emerged in the French squad after Kylian Mbappe claimed he was "the chosen one" for the Ballon d'Or, prompting a sharp response from 2025 winner Ousmane Dembele.

Rift in France football? Dembele hits back after Mbappe's 'chosen one' remark

Liverpool's French star Hugo Ekitike suffered a crushing injury upon his return to the XI against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday (Apr 14) at Anfield. Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Ekitike's injury has definitely put a dent in his plans as Liverpool crashed out of the European supremacy tournament, losing 4-0 aggregate after 2-0 loss on Tuesday at home.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-red-cards-denied-appeal-boot-to-face-how-barcelona-s-season-came-to-an-end-1776231475222">UCL | 'Red cards, denied appeal &amp; boot to face': How Barca's season came to end</a><h2>What happened to Hugo Ekitike?</h2>Ekitike went down on the field visibly suffering with a suspected Achilles. Liverpool medical staff came rushing to help the player but he couldn't get up. Ekitike was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher - the worst nightmare for a player. Have a loo at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Looks bad for Ekitike for Liverpool. Could be Achilles injury that might see him out for the rest of the season. Just been stretchered off 😮‍💨. Just before the World Cup too! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ekitike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ekitike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/liverpool?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#liverpool</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/uc4nHJzlk6">pic.twitter.com/uc4nHJzlk6</a>&mdash; XRPatiently Waiting (@thepatientbloke) <a href="https://twitter.com/thepatientbloke/status/2044142819128844302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking on the injury, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said after the game: "Hugo looks really bad but it is difficult to say how bad. Let’s see. It doesn’t look good, that is clear. I didn’t see him at half-time and after the game he was already home. I have not spoken to him yet."<h2>Dembele crushes Liverpool then says 'you have suffer'</h2>Ousmane Dembele was the only goal scorer in the matches, netting the ball in 72nd and well as 90+1 minute to ensure PSG win 2-0. After the game, Dembele admitted he was happy with the result that there are no easy games in Champions League."There are no easy matches in the Champions League. You have to suffer to go all the way in this competition. In the first half, we had chances, we were pretty much in control. In the second half, it was more complicated but that's normal. It's the Champions League, there are only good teams. We come out away from this two-legged tie with two victories, which is very good," he told Canal+.<h2>Konate blames denied penalty for Liverpool's loss</h2>Ibrahima Konate blamed the penalty overturn after VAR intervention as the reason for Liverpool's exit from the Champions League. The English Premier League side were given a penalty in the second half with scores at 0-0 but VAR interjection overruled referee Maurizio Mariani's decision and the penalty was denied.For me it was a clear penalty and was just behind the referee but he did not blow the whistle and we have to deal with that," Konate said after Liverpool's 4-0 aggregate loss. "If we got the penalty and score it would be completely different."

Liverpool's Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Liverpool's French star Hugo Ekitike suffered a crushing injury upon his return to the XI against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday (Apr 14) at Anfield. Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Ekitike's injury has definitely put a dent in his plans as Liverpool crashed out of the European supremacy tournament, losing 4-0 aggregate after 2-0 loss on Tuesday at home. Also Read - UCL | 'Red cards, denied appeal & boot to face': How Barca's season came to end What happened to Hugo Ekitike? Ekitike went down on the field visibly suffering with a suspected Achilles. Liverpool medical staff came rushing to help the player but he couldn't get up. Ekitike was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher - the worst nightmare for a player. Have a loo at the video below:

Liverpool's Ekitike left the pitch on stretcher in what did not look like a good sign for the player or his World Cup hopes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts in nearly two months on Jun 11 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Champions League | Frenchman Ekitike doubtful for World Cup after 'bad injury' in Liverpool's loss vs PSG

The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is all set to take centre stage on Monday (Sep 22) evening as the 30 players from both men’s and women’s sides compete for the most prestigious individual honour in football. The award ceremony set to take place in the French capital of Paris will be one to watch out for. France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal are likely to go head-to-head in the men’s side. But why is the Ballon d’Or the most prestigious individual honour in football and what is its significance?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Ballon d&#39;Or ceremony is today, and we&#39;ve partenered with <a href="https://twitter.com/Sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sports</a> ! ✨ Use our official hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallonDor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallonDor</a> to unlock an exclusive emoji! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ballondor</a> <a href="https://t.co/osFth9Hex8">pic.twitter.com/osFth9Hex8</a>&mdash; Ballon d&#39;Or (@ballondor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1970063878865506509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Ballon d’Or and its significance</h2>Monday’s ceremony will be the 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, as the best individual players from both men’s and women’s sides will be crowned. The ceremony first took place in 1956 when French magazine France Football started presenting it to the best footballer of the season. Originally started as a top prize for only European footballers, the Ballon d’Or was expanded to include all players of any origin who have been active at European clubs in 1995.&nbsp;However, it was not until 2007 that the prize became a global accolade, meaning all professional footballers around the globe were eligible to win the top prize. The 2007 amendment also saw coaches and captains of national teams given the right to vote in the Ballon d’Or rankings before reverting to just journalists in 2016.&nbsp;Between 2010 and 2015, France Football and FIFA had had agreement, meaning the award was given to the best footballer under the title “FIFA Ballon d’Or” before reverting to the previous format where both awards were presented separately.<h2>How is the Ballon d'Or decided?</h2>The men's and women's Ballon d'Or is awarded based on three main criteria:1) Individual performances, decisive and impressive character2) Team performances and achievements3) Class and fair play&nbsp;Over the years, some of the greats of the game have gone on to win the Ballon d’Or, with notable names including Lionel Messi (eight times), Cristiano Ronaldo (five times), Luka Modric, Zinedine Zidane and others.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;An honorary award, under the name Super Ballon d'Or, was awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989, who was voted the best multiple-time Ballon d'Or winner ahead of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini.&nbsp;In addition, Diego Maradona received an honorary Ballon d'Or in 1995 for his services to football, dubbed the Golden Ballon d'Or. Pelé also received a similar award during the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony, dubbed the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>Who are the front-runners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?</h2>Dembélé is top of the favourites chart to win the prestigious honour, having helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France title in the same season. They could have completed a unique quadruple, but missed out on the Club World Cup title in the final when Chelsea got the better of them. Yamal, on the other hand, will be in the race for the top prize, but is likely to miss out, having lost the Champions League semis with Barcelona, while the same applies to teammate Raphinha.&nbsp;In the women's department, Aitana Bonmati and Alessia Russo will also square off for the top honour, with the former helping Barcelona with the 2024-25 Primera División title.

Presented annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.

The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is all set to take centre stage on Monday (Sep 22) evening as the 30 players from both men’s and women’s sides compete for the most prestigious individual honour in football. The award ceremony set to take place in the French capital of Paris will be one to watch out for. France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal are likely to go head-to-head in the men’s side. But why is the Ballon d’Or the most prestigious individual honour in football and what is its significance?

Presented annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.

Explained: Why Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual honour in football

The race for Ballon d’Or 2025 is heating up as top names from football battle out for the most prestigious individual award in the sport. In the men’s department, France’s Ousmane Dembélé, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and others will be the favorites, while in the women's department, Aitana Bonmati and Alessia Russo will also square off. So ahead of the Ballon 2025 ceremony, here’s all you need to know, including live streaming, nominations and other key details.<h2>Who are the favourites?</h2>Dembélé is top of the favourites chart to win the prestigious honour, having helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France title in the same season. They could have completed a unique quadruple, but missed out on the Club World Cup title in the final when Chelsea got the better of them. Yamal, on the other hand, will be in the race for the top prize, but is likely to miss out, having lost the Champions League semis with Barcelona, while the same applies to teammate Raphinha.<h2>What is the Ballon d'Or?</h2>Presented annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.<h2>Where and when is the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony?</h2>The 69th edition of the awards ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday (Sep 22) and Tuesday (Sep 23) in India due to time zone difference.&nbsp;<h2>Which channel will broadcast the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in India?</h2>The 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or 2025 will be broadcasted on the Sony Sports Network in India.&nbsp;<h2>Which platform will live-stream the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in India?</h2>The 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or 2025 will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv App in India.&nbsp;<h2>Which awards will be presented at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony?</h2>• The Men's Ballon d'Or (best player, 2024/25 season)• The Women's Ballon d'Or (best player, 2024/25 season)• The Men's Kopa Trophy (best young player, 2024/25 season)• The Women's Kopa Trophy (best young player, 2024/25 season)• The Men's Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper, 2024/25 season)• The Women's Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper, 2024/25 season)• The Men's Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in club/national team, 2024/25 season)• The Women's Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in club/national team, 2024/25 season)• The Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach in club/national team, 2024/25 season)• The Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach in club/national team, 2024/25 season)• The Men's Club of the Year Trophy• The Women's Club of the Year Trophy• Sócrates Award&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a><h2>Who are the nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards?</h2><h3>Men's Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees</h3>Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City)Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter)Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund)Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden, Sporting CP/Arsenal)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)Harry Kane (England, Bayern)Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain)Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter)Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)Scott McTominay (Scotland, Napoli)Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Michael Olise (France, Bayern)Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Leverkusen/Liverpool)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h3>Women's Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees</h3>Sandy Baltimore (France, Chelsea)Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Chelsea)Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal)Sofia Cantore (Italy, Juventus/Washington Spirit)Steph Catley (Australia, Arsenal)Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Kansas City)Melchie Dumornay (Haiti, OL Lyonnes)Emily Fox (United States, Arsenal)Cristiana Girelli (Italy, Juventus)Esther González (Spain, Gotham FC)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Amanda Gutierres (Brazil, Palmeiras)Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea)Pernille Harder (Denmark, Bayern)Lindsey Heaps (United States, OL Lyonnes)Chloe Kelly (England, Manchester City/Arsenal)Frida Leonhardsen Maanum (Norway, Arsenal)Marta (Brazil, Orlando Pride)Clara Mateo (France, Paris FC)Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona)Clàudia Pina (Spain, Barcelona)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal)Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Sweden, Chelsea)Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid)Leah Williamson (England, Arsenal)<h2>How is the Ballon d'Or decided?</h2>The men's and women's Ballon d'Or is awarded based on three main criteria:1) Individual performances, decisive and impressive character2) Team performances and achievements3) Class and fair play

The race for Ballon d’Or 2025 is heating up as top names from football battle out for the most prestigious individual award in the sport. In the men’s department, France’s Ousmane Dembélé, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and others will be the favorites, while in the women's department, Aitana Bonmati and Alessia Russo will also square off. So ahead of the Ballon 2025 ceremony, here’s all you need to know, including live streaming, nominations and other key details. Who are the favourites? Dembélé is top of the favourites chart to win the prestigious honour, having helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France title in the same season. They could have completed a unique quadruple, but missed out on the Club World Cup title in the final when Chelsea got the better of them. Yamal, on the other hand, will be in the race for the top prize, but is likely to miss out, having lost the Champions League semis with Barcelona, while the same applies to teammate Raphinha. What is the Ballon d'Or? Presented annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent. Where and when is the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony? The 69th edition of the awards ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday (Sep 22) and Tuesday (Sep 23) in India due to time zone difference. Which channel will broadcast the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in India? The 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or 2025 will be broadcasted on the Sony Sports Network in India. Which platform will live-stream the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in India? The 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or 2025 will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv App in India. Which awards will be presented at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony? • The Men's Ballon d'Or (best player, 2024/25 season) • The Women's Ballon d'Or (best player, 2024/25 season) • The Men's Kopa Trophy (best young player, 2024/25 season) • The Women's Kopa Trophy (best young player, 2024/25 season) • The Men's Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper, 2024/25 season) • The Women's Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper, 2024/25 season) • The Men's Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in club/national team, 2024/25 season) • The Women's Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in club/national team, 2024/25 season) • The Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach in club/national team, 2024/25 season) • The Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach in club/national team, 2024/25 season) • The Men's Club of the Year Trophy • The Women's Club of the Year Trophy • Sócrates Award ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Who are the nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards? Men's Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid) Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain) Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City) Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain) Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter) Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund) Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden, Sporting CP/Arsenal) Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City) Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain) Harry Kane (England, Bayern) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain) Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona) Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool) Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter) Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid) Scott McTominay (Scotland, Napoli) Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain) João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain) Michael Olise (France, Bayern) Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea) Pedri (Spain, Barcelona) Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona) Declan Rice (England, Arsenal) Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain) Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool) Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool) Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid) Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain) Florian Wirtz (Germany, Leverkusen/Liverpool) Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona) ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Women's Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees Sandy Baltimore (France, Chelsea) Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride) Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona) Lucy Bronze (England, Chelsea) Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern) Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal) Sofia Cantore (Italy, Juventus/Washington Spirit) Steph Catley (Australia, Arsenal) Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Kansas City) Melchie Dumornay (Haiti, OL Lyonnes) Emily Fox (United States, Arsenal) Cristiana Girelli (Italy, Juventus) Esther González (Spain, Gotham FC) Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona) Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona) Amanda Gutierres (Brazil, Palmeiras) Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea) Pernille Harder (Denmark, Bayern) Lindsey Heaps (United States, OL Lyonnes) Chloe Kelly (England, Manchester City/Arsenal) Frida Leonhardsen Maanum (Norway, Arsenal) Marta (Brazil, Orlando Pride) Clara Mateo (France, Paris FC) Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona) Clàudia Pina (Spain, Barcelona) Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona) Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal) Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Sweden, Chelsea) Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid) Leah Williamson (England, Arsenal) How is the Ballon d'Or decided? The men's and women's Ballon d'Or is awarded based on three main criteria: 1) Individual performances, decisive and impressive character 2) Team performances and achievements 3) Class and fair play

Ballon d'Or 2025: All you need to know about football's prestigious honour - contenders, live streaming and more

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Rift in France football? Dembele hits back after Mbappe's 'chosen one' remark

UCL | Ekitike doubtful for World Cup after 'bad injury' in Liverpool vs PSG

Explained: Why Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual honour in football

Ballon d'Or 2025: All you need to know about football's prestigious honour