The bells are ringing for the Ballon d’Or. This Thursday, at 12:30 p.m., France Football has unveiled the list of 30 footballers who will be vying for the award on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The favorites seem clear: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), and Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona) are in the pole position. However, Real Madrid hopes to pull off a surprise with Kylian Mbappé, just as Rodrigo Hernández (Manchester City) did last year with Vinicius Júnior.
The Ballon d’Or has never been without controversy. The latest came last year. After winning the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and playing a key role in those victories (24 goals and 11 assists throughout the season), Vinicius Júnior saw his coveted golden ball ‘stolen’ by Rodrigo Hernández. Hours before the ceremony in the French capital, the Merengue board and the Carioca received the ‘tip-off’ at Barajas airport: “Vini won’t win it.” Faced with this blow, both the player and the Madrid representatives decided not to board the plane.
Real Madrid refused to attend the Théâtre du Châtelet. The gala named the club “best men’s team of the year,” but no one came to collect the award. Concha Espina’s stance was clear. “If the award criteria do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, then those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. As this has not been the case, it is clear that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not belong where it is not respected,” said a statement from the Valdebebas offices. It couldn’t be clearer.
The three Real Madrid players nominated for the Ballon d’Or
But this year, Real Madrid are hoping to make a statement. Of course, they will have their work cut out for them. After a “blank” season in terms of titles (only the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup were won), the Merengues are confident that they can “take revenge” for last year. And to do so, they will be counting on three Madridistas: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Júnior.
The nomination of Kylian Mbappé was the most obvious. He is the best representative of Real Madrid for this gala. In his first year with the white jersey, the French striker has shone. Although the results were not as expected at the collective level, Kyky was a sensation on an individual level. He broke Iván Zamorano’s record. In his first season with Madrid, the Chilean had scored 37 goals in 45 games. With 44 goals in 59 games, the Frenchman exceeded all expectations. In La Liga, he scored 31 goals in 34 games. This allowed him to become the undisputed Pichichi and win his first Golden Boot.
Nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ⤵️@KMbappe@realmadrid@equipedefrance#ballondor pic.twitter.com/5LSg0BkesA
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025
The “other awards”
In recent years, new awards have been presented at the Théâtre du Châtelet: the Kopa Trophy (best player under 21), the Yachine Trophy (best goalkeeper), the Cruyff Trophy (best coach), the Best Club in the World and the Socrates Trophy (social causes). Real Madrid also features in the “other awards” at the Ballon d’Or with several representatives. Dean Huijsen will compete with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Désiré Doué for the Kopa Trophy. Thibaut Courtois will face Donnarumma for the Yachine.
Nominated for the 2025 Kopa Trophy ⤵️@DHuijsen@realmadrid@SEFutbol#ballondor pic.twitter.com/ABhoPZbfXF
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025
Honors also for Real Madrid Women
Real Madrid Women are also well represented on these lists. Two Madridistas will be competing for two different awards. Linda Caicedo has been nominated for the Kopa Trophy, while Caroline Weir will be among the top 30 best players in the world.
Here are our 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/zruGXPSfMZ
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025