France Football has unveiled the much‑anticipated 30‑man shortlist for the 69th Men’s Ballon d’Or, set to be awarded at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on 22 September 2025.
Amid a star-studded line‑up featuring numerous European heavyweights, only three African players have earned the distinction—a testament to their exceptional performances over the 2024–25 season.
1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
The Liverpool talisman once again showcased his world-class caliber by finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer with 29 goals and 18 assists, totaling 47 goal involvements.
His pivotal role in securing Liverpool’s Premier League title reaffirmed his elite status on the global stage.
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
A cornerstone of Paris Saint‑Germain’s historic domestic and continental haul, Hakimi helped the club win Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and its first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
Displaying attacking verve rare among defenders, he registered 11 goals and 16 assists across the season and even scored in the Champions League final.
3. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
Guirassy enjoyed a breakout season with Borussia Dortmund, notably becoming the club’s most prolific Champions League scorer in a single campaign with 10 goals.
At the same time, he amassed an astonishing 38 goals in all competitions, including a remarkable four-goal haul against Union Berlin.
Significance
With only three African representatives among the global elite, the shortlist underscores both the ongoing challenges and the undeniable talent emerging from the continent.
These nominees stand in a distinguished group—each delivering standout contributions that resonate far beyond their national borders.
About the Ballon d’Or Voting Process
The nominees were selected by journalists from France Football in coordination with L’Équipe. Ultimately, one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations will vote, assigning points from 15 down to 1 for their top ten picks.
The award will be determined based on total points, with ties broken by the number of first-place votes, then seconds, and so on.
Looking Ahead
All eyes are now on Paris as the football world prepares for the grand showdown on 22 September 2025. Will Salah, Hakimi, or Guirassy rise to become only the second African Ballon d’Or winner after George Weah (1995)? Only time will tell.
Among the top contenders are – Ousmane Dembele of PSG and France, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Spain, Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and France, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and England, amongst others.
