Football’s biggest individual prize takes center stage tonight, September 22, in Paris as the 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony unfolds at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Fans, players and pundits alike await the crowning of football’s finest for the 2024-25 season, in what promises to be a glittering affair watched by millions across the globe.
Last year’s ceremony offered plenty of drama and set a high standard for tonight’s event. Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after a stellar campaign in which he guided City to a fourth straight Premier League title and played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí continued her dominance, retaining her Ballon d’Or Féminin after leading both club and country to new heights. Their victories highlighted the award’s prestige, rewarding not just individual brilliance but also influence on the global stage.
This year, the ceremony introduces fresh elements while maintaining its traditional allure.
For the first time, gender parity will be applied across multiple categories, with men’s and women’s awards presented for the Ballon d’Or, the Kopa Trophy for best young player and the Yashin Trophy for goalkeepers.
Other honours include the Gerd Müller Trophy for top scorers, the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coaches, Clubs of the Year for both men and women, and the Sócrates Award which recognizes humanitarian contributions within the sport.
The list of nominees underlines football’s diversity and depth of talent. In the men’s category, global superstars such as Ousmane Dembélé (PSG & France), Erling Haaland (Norway & Man-City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt) and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain) headline the race.
On the women’s side, the field features both established legends and emerging stars whose performances on the international stage and in club competitions have kept fans enthralled throughout the season.
Among those in contention including Lucy Bronze (Chelsea & England), Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride & Zambia), Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea & France), Steph Catley (Arsenal & Australia), Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich & Denmark), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal & England), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain), Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona & Norway), and Leah Williamson (Arsenal & England).
The stage is set for an evening of glamour and anticipation. Hosts Kate Scott and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit will guide the proceedings, with the ceremony kicking off at 9:00 PM Central European Time (22:00 EAT)
