The Ballon d’Or 2025 is officially here, and the excitement is at an all-time high as the football world prepares for the 69th edition of the sport’s most prestigious individual award. Scheduled to take place in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the ceremony will recognize the very best players from the 2024–25 season. Fans in the United States are especially eager, with full streaming access available so they won’t miss a moment of the action.
When and Where the Ceremony Will Take Place
The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is set for Monday, September 22, 2025. The event will begin at 2:45 PM Eastern Time, making it a convenient afternoon viewing for U.S. fans. The gala not only presents the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or but also additional awards such as the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player, the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, the Gerd Müller Trophy for the top scorer, as well as special honors for coaches, clubs, and humanitarian contributions.
Who Are the Leading Contenders
The men’s category has captured the spotlight, with two clear frontrunners dominating the conversation:
- Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) – A Champions League winner and domestic champion, Dembele’s season has been marked by extraordinary pace, skill, and big-game performances. His achievements on both club and international stages have positioned him as the player to beat.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – At only 17 years old, Yamal has stunned the footballing world with his composure, creativity, and decisive impact in high-stakes matches. Many experts believe his performances in European and international competitions have already placed him among the best in the world.
Other strong candidates include Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, Achraf Hakimi and Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG, and goal-scoring machines like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah.
On the women’s side, the spotlight shines on Chloe Kelly of England, who delivered standout performances in both the Champions League and international tournaments. She faces competition from elite players such as Lucy Bronze, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas, all of whom have lifted trophies and showcased dominance in the past season.
How to Watch Ballon d’Or 2025 in the United States
For American fans, the Ballon d’Or 2025 will be available in two primary ways:
- Paramount+ will carry the event live for subscribers.
- The official YouTube channel of L’Équipe will stream the entire ceremony for free.
With kickoff scheduled for 2:45 PM Eastern, it’s a perfect midday sports highlight for fans across the U.S.
Controversy Ahead of the Ceremony
This year’s Ballon d’Or is not without drama. Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 match against Marseille, originally scheduled for the weekend, was postponed due to extreme weather and rescheduled for the same evening as the awards ceremony. The change has caused frustration among PSG players and staff, as it prevents many from attending the gala in Paris.
Ousmane Dembélé, currently recovering from injury, is still expected to attend, but several of his teammates and coach Luis Enrique may be forced to stay behind. The situation has sparked debate in France over whether the league showed enough respect to the Ballon d’Or, given its global significance.
Why This Year Feels Special
Several storylines make Ballon d’Or 2025 particularly compelling:
- Youth vs. Experience – Lamine Yamal’s rise at just 17 represents the new generation, while seasoned stars like Dembele and Bellingham are fighting to secure their legacy.
- Club Rivalries – Barcelona, PSG, and Real Madrid are heavily represented, fueling debates over which team currently dominates European football.
- Women’s Growth – The women’s award continues to gain prestige, with stars like Chloe Kelly symbolizing the global rise of the women’s game.
Key Details at a Glance
- Date: September 22, 2025
- Venue: Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
- U.S. Broadcast: Paramount+ and L’Équipe’s YouTube channel
- Start Time: 2:45 PM EDT
- Top Men’s Contenders: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland
- Top Women’s Contenders: Chloe Kelly, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Lucy Bronze
As the football world counts down the hours, anticipation is soaring. Will the Ballon d’Or 2025 crown a teenager who has taken Europe by storm, or will experience and trophies tilt the balance toward Dembele or another established star? For fans in the U.S., this promises to be one of the most captivating Ballon d’Or ceremonies in years.
Share your thoughts below—who do you believe deserves to take home the Ballon d’Or this year?