The nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on Thursday: Alexia Putellas and Alessia Russo lead the favorites
France Football to unveil the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or and other major football awards
One of the most prestigious individual awards in world football, the Ballon d’Or, will reveal its 2025 nominees tomorrow, Thursday (August 7). Organized by France Football magazine, the annual ceremony celebrates the best footballers across both the men’s and women’s game.
Alongside the Ballon d’Or, several other awards will also have their nominees announced, including the Kopa Trophy (best U21 player), the Lev Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), and the Johan Cruyff Award, newly introduced for outstanding playmakers.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Putellas and Russo in Tight Race
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal) are considered the leading contenders.
Russo had an outstanding season, helping England secure victories in the UEFA Women’s Euro and the Women’s Champions League, triumphing over Putellas’ Barcelona in both competitions.
However, despite those defeats, Alexia Putellas also had a decorated domestic season, winning the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup with FC Barcelona.
According to a PlanetFootball ranking, the top five favorites for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or are:
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
- Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
- Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona)
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
Historic Third Ballon d’Or on the Horizon?
If Putellas is crowned the winner, she would become the first female footballer in history to win three Ballon d’Or titles, adding to her victories in 2021 and 2022.
Her consistent excellence has made her a symbol of Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football over the last few years, and her potential third title would further cement her legacy.
