Paris Saint-Germain have taken center stage in the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, with nine of their players making the 30-man shortlist unveiled for the award. The French club’s dominance follows their impressive Champions League triumph this season. Notably, last year’s winner, Rodri, misses out due to a knee ligament injury that sidelined him for much of the campaign.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are also absent from the list for the first time in years as Barcelona are well represented with four nominees, including Lamine Yamal and striker Robert Lewandowski. Real Madrid, who boycotted last year’s ceremony after Vinicius Jr. lost to Rodri, returned with three players shortlisted with Vinicius among them.
In a historic moment, Napoli’s Scott McTominay becomes the first Scot nominated since 1987 and hopes to join Denis Law as only the second Scottish winner of the Ballon d’Or as the winner will be revealed on September 22.
