The individual award will be handed out in September, but with no international tournament this summer, the Parisians’ triumph may have already decided who wins it, as bookmakers have decisively slashed Dembele’s odds to win the Ballon d’Or.
At 28 years old, the France international is finally fulfilling the potential he showed years ago at Borussia Dortmund before a huge move to Barcelona in 2017 for an initial fee of €105 million.
His closest rival for this year’s award is perhaps Barcelona’s own generational talent Lamine Yamal, who Dembele will face in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals on Thursday when France take on Spain.
Whilst Dembele is a player at last entering his prime and Yamal is a prodigy without a ceiling, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah may be facing his last chance at winning the game’s highest personal accolade.
His form has been undeniable – 29 goals and 18 assists as The Reds won the Premier League title proves that – but being unable to take them further than the last 16 in the Champions League could hinder his chances this September.
Who are the Ballon d’Or 2025 contenders?
| Player | Odds |
| Ousmane Dembele | 4/9 |
| Lamine Yamal | 11/4 |
| Mo Salah | 12/1 |
| Raphinha | 12/1 |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | 16/1 |
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | 33/1 |
| Lautaro Martinez | 33/1 |
| Desire Doue | 33/1 |
| Achraf Hakimi | 50/1 |
| Kylian Mbappe | 50/1 |
When is the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony?
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
It will not be the only award available on the night, with the Ballon d’Or Feminin also to be announced, as well as the following honours:
- The Kopa Trophy – awarded to the best player below the age of 21.
- The Yashin Trophy – awarded to the best goalkeeper.
- Coach of the Year – awarded to the best manager. There are versions for both men’s and women’s.
- Club of the Year – awarded to the best team. There are versions for both men’s and women’s.
- The Gerd Muller Trophy – awarded to the highest-scoring men’s player in the previous season.
- The Socrates Award – awarded to the footballer with the best humanitarian work.
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Deschamps backs Dembele for Ballon d’Or
France manager Didier Deschamps has put his support behind Dembele to take home the prestigious award this year.
As part of a PSG side who made history by winning their first European Cup, Dembele netted 33 goals and made 15 assists across all competitions.
He was already named Champions League player of the season, and his international manager is now backing him to win the Ballon d’Or in the face of fierce competition from Barcelona’s Yamal.
“Obviously, this Nations League can bring some elements of response, the Club World Cup too. If I have to choose, I tell you Ous, 100%, of course.
“If you ask me about the Spaniards, I don’t think they will tell you the same thing. But obviously, Ousmane, with the season he is having, deserves it.”
France and Spain will be hoping for a place in the final where they will meet Portugal, who beat Germany 2-1 in the first semi-final.
