The glittering Ballon d'Or ceremony, football's most coveted individual honour, is set to return to its traditional home in Paris for its 2025 edition. After a year away from the French capital, the event promises to be a spectacular night celebrating the world's finest footballing talent.
When and Where is the 2025 Ballon d'Or?
Mark your calendars for Monday, 27th October 2025. The ceremony will once again be held at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in central Paris, a venue synonymous with the prestige of the award. The event is scheduled to commence at 8:30 PM local time (CET).
How to Watch the Ceremony Live
For fans in the UK eager to catch every moment of the glamour and drama, the ceremony will be broadcast live. While the official UK broadcaster for the 2025 event is yet to be formally confirmed, it is widely anticipated that BBC and ITV will be in the running to secure the rights for free-to-air coverage, as they have in previous years.
Live streaming options will also be available, likely through the broadcasters' respective online platforms, such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX, ensuring you can watch on the go.
Who Are The Early Front-Runners?
While the official longlist of nominees is months away from being revealed, the front-runners are already taking shape based on a stunning 2023/24 season.
For the Men's Award (Ballon d'Or):
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England): The English superstar is a firm favourite after a breathtaking debut season at Real Madrid where he was instrumental in their La Liga and Champions League double.
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid & Brazil): A favourite for the 2024 award, his phenomenal performances, including a decisive brace in the Champions League final, keep him firmly in the 2025 conversation.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England): Despite Bayern's collective struggles, Kane's record-breaking goal-scoring feats in the Bundesliga make him a undeniable contender.
For the Women's Award (Ballon d'Or Féminin):
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona & Spain): The reigning champion will look to defend her crown following another dominant season with Barcelona and after leading Spain to UEFA Women's Nations League glory.
- Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona & Spain): The young prodigy continues to shine brightly for both club and country, establishing herself as one of the most exciting talents in the game.
The final nominees will be announced closer to the ceremony, with the winners decided by an international jury of journalists based on individual performances and accolades throughout the season.
