Ballon D'Or Contenders 2025. A new generation of stars lined up as contenders for the ballon d'or after two names dominated world soccer's most prestigious award for well over a decade. Aitana bonmati (left), vinicius jr (centre) and rodri (right) are all nominated at the 2025 ballon d'or awards.

Lionel messi has won the ballon d’or for a record eighth time, solidifying his status as one of football’s greatest legends. Lionel messi won the 2023 ballon d’or for a record eighth time but was left out of the frame to win the 2025 edition.