The list of 30 nominees for the prestigious 2025 Mens Ballon d'Or award has been revealed, with only three African players making the shortlist.
The announcement was conducted on Thursday, August 7, in Paris. Egyptian and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who played a key role in helping his club secure the league title, made it to the list.
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Meanwhile, Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, who enjoyed a stellar season with PSG, winning the domestic league, the UEFA Champions League, and other major trophies, has earned well-deserved spots amongst the nominees.
Joining them is another African standout, Serhou Guirassy, who plays for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and the Guinea national team.
When it comes to the Yashin award, Yassine Bounou from Morocco has been nominated.
Nominees for other categories, including the Women's Ballon d'Or, the Kopa Trophy (best U21 player), the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, and more were also officially revealed.
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Spanish and Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the current holder of the men's Ballon d'Or, having beaten Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, who finished second and third respectively, last year.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Here is a full list of nominees:
