Ballon d'Or

If the voting process for the Ballon d'Or were truly fair, Lionel Messi would have 14 Golden Balls to his name instead of eight. The Barcelona legend was by far the best footballer in the world between 2008 and 2021, but had to concede defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo five times, and Luka Modric once, as the Real Madrid duo were rewarded for spearheading their team's unprecedented success in the Champions League.

If you thought the days of the Ballon d'Or generating headlines were over after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's era of dominance came to an end, then think again. After one of the most closely-fought races for a number of years, Rodri came out on top in 2024, beating Vinicius Jr into second place as Real Madrid dramatically boycotted the ceremony in Paris in protest at their star player missing out.

Marseille's crunch clash with Paris Saint-Germain has been rescheduled for the same night as the Ballon d'Or ceremony after this weekend's Ligue 1 game was postponed due to heavy rainfall. PSG's Ousmane Dembele is one of the favourites to lift this year's Golden Ball but due to this fixture change, the France international may not be able to attend the prestigious event.

Barcelona stars Pedri and Robert Lewandowski will join Real Madrid players in skipping the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday. The Barca duo, along with team-mates Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, have been nominated for the Golden Ball while manager Hansi Flick is in contention to win the best coach's award after guiding the Catalan giants to three titles in his maiden season.

The esteemed Golden Ball has been elusive to so many great footballers down the years, but who deserved it the most?

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will skip the Ballon d'Or ceremony this year and revealed the player he wants to see win the 2025 Golden Ball. Mbappe scored 44 goals across all competitions and was La Liga's top scorer in his first season at Santiago Bernabeu, but does not feel he is a realistic Ballon d'Or contender because Real Madrid failed to win any major trophies.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has poured cold water on suggestions that Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or, insisting the award has “no discussion” and must go to Ousmane Dembele. Yamal enjoyed an extraordinary season with Barcelona, but Campos highlighted Dembele’s treble-winning heroics with PSG as decisive.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal says he dreams of following in Lionel Messi's footsteps by winning multiple Ballons d'Or.

Real Madrid remain at odds with the Ballon d’Or organisers after Vinicius Jr’s snub last year, raising doubts over their participation in 2025’s gala.

Ex-Real Madrid star Jese Rodriguez says he advised Kylian Mbappe to leave Paris Saint-Germain for the Spanish side to fulfil his Ballon d'Or dream.

Rodri has picked out four players that could succeed him as the Ballon d’Or winner in 2025, with Lamine Yamal considered to be in the mix.

Vitinha reflected on his “dream season” at PSG and set his sights on climbing high in the Ballon d’Or race alongside Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.

Chelsea new boy Joao Pedro has revealed his dream of one day winning the Ballon d’Or, while explaining why he turned down a move to Newcastle. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his first five starts for Chelsea to quickly become a key figure under Enzo Maresca.

Jules Kounde hopes the "best man wins" the Ballon d'Or when asked to pick between France team-mate Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona co-star Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has admitted he is "hoping" to win the Ballon d'Or at the 2025 ceremony later this month. The 18-year-old has been nominated for the prestigious award alongside Barcelona team-mates Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Jules Kounde has tipped Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Ousmane Dembele and admitted he wants to win the Champions League.

Gerard Deulofeu has hailed Lamine Yamal as the game's finest creator and insists the 18-year-old already merits Ballon d’Or recognition.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has admitted he is still haunted by his Ballon d’Or disappointment at Bayern Munich. The Poland international was favourite for the 2020 award before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and then came second to Lionel Messi in the vote the following year.

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to be drawn into another Ballon d'Or debate, branding the prestigious accolade "fictitious".

Barcelona star Pedri has paid tribute to Jude Bellingham after both midfielders received nominations for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Steven Gerrard insists his former Liverpool and England team-mate Michael Owen was better than Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal as a teenager.

The shortlist for world football's most prestigious individual award has been revealed ahead of the ceremony in Paris on September 22

Emi Martinez is looking to complete a hat-trick of Yashin Trophy wins, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alisson and Hannah Hampton earning nominations.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot, Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique are among the prominent nominees for the Johan Cruyff awards that will be given away at the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Both Chelsea coaches, Enzo Maresca and Sonia Bompastor, have been nominated as well, along with Barcelona's Hansi Flick, who inspired the Blaugranas to a domestic treble.

Lamine Yamal, Desire Doue and Michelle Agyemang are among the nominees for the prestigious Kopa Trophy awards up for grabs at the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Manchester United star Amad Diallo has seemingly offered some insight into his Ballon d'Or dreams with his latest social media activity.

Gavi is super confident about his team-mate Lamine Yamal ending his career with many Ballons d'Or, emphasising that he's improving every day.

Paul Pogba has thrown his support behind his former team-mate Osmane Dembele as the Ballon d'Or race intensifies, backing him over Lamine Yamal.

Cole Palmer has been told he does not sit alongside Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane in the world’s top 10 and is not a serious Ballon d’Or contender.