The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion of England’s safe hands Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, in Paris on Monday night.
Nnadozie, who has been Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph.
“We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said.
Sanusi also gave kudos to Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
“Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory at the WAFCON in Morocco. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.”
Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton who took home the Trophée Yachine (named after former Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin), Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll. She however finished above Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar in the Top Five.
Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.
There has also been a Coach Educators’ Course, which involved 25 participants, in July this year.
The Ballon d’Or, football’s most coveted individual honour, celebrates players who have delivered extraordinary performances over the course of a season.
The award, revered by fans across the globe, remains the ultimate recognition of excellence in the sport.
Ahead of the 2025 ceremony, organisers outlined the official selection criteria used to determine the winners.
At the event, Ousmane Dembélé claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal secured the Kopa Trophy as the year’s best young player.
Below is the details of the official ranking for positions from 30th to the winner.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris delivered another night of history and glamour, celebrating football’s brightest stars across the men’s and women’s game.
From record-breaking triumphs to emerging young talents, here are all the winners at this year’s prestigious awards.
Super Falcons’ head coach Justine Madugu along with Chiamaka Nnadozie would be conspicuously missing as the crème de la crème of world’s football gather tonight at the at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
In August, Madugu and Nnadozie was respectively shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year Trophy and the Women’s Yacine Trophy for best goalkeeper following the Super Falcons’ record 10th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) triumph after they stunned hosts, Morocco, with a comeback 3-2 win.
But our correspondent gathered last night that both Madugu and Nnadozie would not be in the mix during the awards’ ceremony in the French capital.
“ Coach Madugu is not going for the awards and I don’t think Nnadozie is also going,” a high-ranking Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official told NationSport.
In the meantime, Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele is being tipped to hold off Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to win the men’s Ballon d’Or while Aitana Bonmati’s chances of claiming a third straight women’s prize hang in the balance.
With Rodri not a contender to retain the most prestigious individual prize in football after last season was marred by injury, Dembele has emerged as the favourite from a list of nominees dominated by PSG.
Nine members of the PSG team that won the Champions League, demolishing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final, feature among the 30 nominees.
There is Desire Doue, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, as well as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, now with Manchester City.
But Dembele stands out after a magnificent season in which he filled the void left in Paris by the departed Kylian Mbappe, scoring 35 goals. That contribution helped PSG to also complete a domestic clean sweep and reach the final of the Club World Cup.
It was a spectacular campaign for the French club and an even more extraordinary one for Dembele, the 28-year-old winger turned centre-forward whose previous most prolific season had delivered 14 goals for Barcelona in 2018⁄19.
Yamal, still just 18, stands out among the other nominees having emerged as a superstar on the wing at Barcelona, where he is seen as the successor to Lionel Messi.
He won the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21 at last year’s Ballon d’Or gala, fresh from having helped Spain to European Championship glory.
He scored 18 goals in 55 games in all competitions last season as Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Copa del Rey, but they lost in the Champions League semi-finals to Inter.
The Ballon d’Or is now voted for on the basis of achievements during last season, rather than over a calendar year as in the past.
Other notable nominees include Viktor Gyokeres, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, and the key duo from Liverpool’s 2024-2025 Premier League triumph, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are on the list too, a year after Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony, outraged that the latter had been overlooked for the prize.
Could Chloe Kelly’s role in England’s Euro 2025 win earn her the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists, one from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA world rankings.
It is the top 50 for the women, in which the field appears wide open as Barcelona and Spain star Bonmati goes for a treble.
Bonmati, 27, is an exceptional talent and was named player of the tournament at the UEFA Women’s Euro in July.
Yet Spain lost the final of that tournament on penalties to England, and Bonmati’s Barcelona also lost the Champions League final to Arsenal in May.
What may work either in her favour, or that of teammate and two-time former winner Alexia Putellas, is that there is no obvious standout from the England team that triumphed at the Euros.
Lucy Bronze, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Alessio Russo and captain Leah Williamson are all nominated from that side, as is Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the final.
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or approaches, football finds itself in the midst of one of the most competitive and unpredictable races in years. With Rodri—last year’s winner—ruled out due to injury and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now outside the conversation, a new generation of elite talents is ready to claim the world’s highest individual footballing honour. David Bolarinwa, in this article, profiles ten of the most compelling contenders, breaking down their performances, accolades, and the narratives that could shape the outcome of this year’s award. From rising stars like Lamine Yamal to resurgent forces like Ousmane Dembélé, the race for the Ballon d’Or has never felt more open—or more symbolic of a changing era in world football.
The French winger leads the Ballon d’Or race after a sensational season with PSG, guiding the club to a historic treble – Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Dembélé scored around 35 goals and provided 15 assists across competitions, delivering big performances in crucial games, including the Champions League final. His pace, directness, and newfound consistency have elevated him into the global elite, making him a strong favourite to win the award.
The teenage prodigy has taken the football world by storm, becoming the youngest serious contender in Ballon d’Or history. Yamal was central to Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey double, registering 18 goals and over 20 assists. His intelligence on the ball, dribbling, and decision-making have earned him comparisons to Lionel Messi. At just 18, his presence among the nominees represents both a generational shift and the early makings of a footballing icon.
Once seen as a squad player, Raphinha has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most vital assets. He finished the season with over 35 goals and 25 assists, making him the club’s top contributor in front of goal. His tireless work ethic, combined with an explosive end product, powered Barça through tight matches. In a year where consistency is heavily rewarded, Raphinha’s impact is impossible to overlook.
Still delivering at the highest level, Salah had another stellar campaign with Liverpool, helping the Reds win the Premier League. The Egyptian winger posted 30+ goals and nearly 20 assists, maintaining his status as one of the most productive forwards in Europe. Though Liverpool didn’t go deep in the Champions League, Salah’s individual brilliance, leadership, and consistency over the season have kept him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
A surprising yet deserved nominee, McTominay enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence after joining Napoli from Manchester United. The Scottish midfielder scored 12 goals and anchored Napoli’s midfield in their run to the Serie A title. His energy, box-to-box engine, and goal threat earned him the club’s Player of the Season award. He becomes the first Scot in decades to be shortlisted, and while not a favourite to win, his inclusion is a tribute to his transformation.
The Georgian winger was instrumental in PSG’s treble-winning season. With flair, creativity, and consistent end product, Kvaratskhelia tallied over 25 goal contributions, complementing Dembélé on the opposite flank. His influence in European matches, particularly in the knockout stages, added weight to his nomination. If votes are split among PSG players, Kvaratskhelia could sneak higher up the list than expected.
A breakout star of the 2024/25 season, Doué added balance and dynamism to PSG’s midfield. His ability to transition quickly, link defence to attack, and contribute key goals in tight matches gave PSG a cutting edge throughout their successful campaign. Still just 20, Doué’s emergence as one of Europe’s top young midfielders has been rewarded with his first Ballon d’Or nomination.
Often the unsung hero in Barcelona’s midfield, Pedri’s intelligence and vision were key to the team’s domestic success. His pass completion, tactical awareness, and calmness under pressure allowed others around him—like Yamal and Raphinha—to shine. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping, his control and influence on the rhythm of Barça’s play earned him widespread praise from coaches and pundits alike.
Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid was productive—over 30 goals and multiple standout performances—but lacked the silverware to match. Without a league or Champions League title, Mbappé’s campaign has fallen short of his own high standards. Nevertheless, his individual output remains elite, and his presence in the top 10 is secured on quality alone. Still only 26, he remains a constant threat in the Ballon d’Or race.
Harry Kane continued his prolific form after moving to Germany, finishing with 44 goals and 12 assists for Bayern. Individually, it was one of his best seasons ever. However, Bayern’s failure to win the Bundesliga or make a deep Champions League run weakens his case. That said, Kane’s consistency and professionalism still earned him a nomination, and he remains one of the world’s most reliable strikers.
The Ballon d’Or has unveiled the full list of nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, highlighting 30 exceptional female footballers from around the world.
Among the frontrunners are global icons Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Pernille Harder, and Lucy Bronze, joined by rising stars such as Melchie Dumornay, Temwa Chawinga, and Frida Leonardsen-Maanum.
The list also features Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina, Sandy Baltimore, Marta, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Esther Gonzalez, among others.
The prestigious Ballon d’Or celebrates the best in women’s football, recognizing players for their “excellence, impact, and achievements over the past season.”
The winner will be revealed at the official awards ceremony later in the year.
The Ballon d’Or caused plenty of controversy last year, with Rodri pipping Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to the post, and once again there’s a large contingent of stars playing their way into the shortlist ahead of October’s awards.
Rodri’s season-ending injury, combined with Manchester City’s poor season means the Spaniard won’t be close to it this term, but the bookies are already lining up plenty of names.
It’s perhaps going to be one of the tightest run contests so far, and could well be determined by the winner of the Champions League in little over a month’s time. That always makes it an interesting punt at this stage and you can find some good value odds across many bookies, from the big names to some of the newer, more interesting sites, whether you’ve just read a review of Melbet and want to make your Ballon d’Or call, or any other found on sites like MightyTips.
The question is, where do you put your money though? Well, the resident expert, Kate Richardson, runs down her early Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings…
Updated 2025 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings
Raphinha
Raphinha was plying his trade towards the foot of the Premier League only a few years ago, but the 28-year-old’s career has skyrocketed since his move to Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
He’s hit a real purple patch this season, having netted almost 30 goals, at the time of writing, and put in some stunning performances, particularly in the Champions League.
In the competition, he’s surpassing the numbers posted by Lionel Messi in 2011/12, with Stephen Warnocksaying during Match of the Day, “It is phenomenal. It is breathtaking when you put him in the same bracket as Messi with four games potentially remaining.”
It’s Ballon d’Or form, all right.
Ousmane Dembele
For many years Ousmane Dembele’s stock has been falling, but in a resurgent Paris Saint Germain team he’s really thriving. Just look at his stats (as of April 15):
Games: 41
Goals: 32
Assists: 10
It’s already the Frenchman’s best return in his career, and the 27-year-old could finally get the ultimate plaudits. The bookies are pricing him as second favourite to do so and should his side go on to win the Champions League, it could well catapult him to the leader of the pack.
Luis Enrique is certainly getting the best out of him, having moved him from the wing into more of a traditional number nine role, and with Ligue 1 sewn up, it’s all-in for earning that first major European trophy.
Kylian Mbappe
Dembele has benefitted from Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, and his fellow countryman has certainly hit the ground running in Galactico white.
He’s bagged 33 goals so far this season and proven why he’s one of the world’s best. However, trophies could pass him by this season, which may have an impact on his chance of securing a first Ballon d’Or.
While the striker is third favourite with the bookies to secure it, and he has had a tremendous season, he’s firmly behind the two mentioned above, while the likes of Mo Salah and Lamine Yamal may also push ahead of him come the end of term.
He’s one to watch though and a bit of an outsider, so could well be worth a punt.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool fans won’t care one jot as to whether Salah wins the Ballon d’Or or not, they’ll just be delighted he’s signed atwo-year-contract extension, with the Egyptian’s future uncertain until recently.
Salah arguably had his best season in a red shirt with Rio Ferdinandclaiming, “Right now at this moment in time, I don’t think there’s anyone else on the podium with him.”
He’s been instrumental in Liverpool pulling away from the pack in the Premier League, and they will surely confirm their Champions status in the coming weeks. During that time, he’s found his best return for the club with 27 goals and 18 assists in just 32 games,a Premier League record. While that’s just shy of his 32 goals in 2017/18, he still has several games to make up that number, of which he surely will to further that record.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has yet to even hit 18-years-old but he’s still in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. The Barcelona winger looks set to win La Liga with his team, and has an excellent chance of a Champions League trophy too, of which he’ll have played a crucial role in earning.
He’s been an ever-present in Hansi Flick’s team this season and has 35 goal involvements in just 43 games currently. That’s some return and even if he doesn’t win it this time round, it almost feels an impossibility that he won’t at some stage in his career.
That’s providing he continues to perform at the level he is today. Moves to Manchester City and Saudi Arabia have been mooted, but it feels that Barcelona could be on a journey to another football dynasty, and Yamal will be central to that.
Who’ll pick up the gong?
It’s still a little too early to be giving anyone the Ballon d’Or for 2025, there’s still plenty of this season and next to play, while the FIFA Club World Cup is nestled in between that.
However, while the likes of Harry Kane and Vinicius may be trailing off, the players mentioned above are beginning to pull away from the pack and what is a guarantee is that there will be a brand new name on the award. And that can’t be bad for our beautiful game.
Who that will be, the jury is out, but it’s certainly a good time to start placing your bets and get excited for what will be a high-quality run-in.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by the French magazine France Football since 1956 to honour the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.
It is decided by votes from 100 journalists representing the top FIFA federations, including Nigeria.
A total of 22 countries awarded points to Ademola Lookman, with Nigeria giving him the highest score:
Here’s the total breakdown of countries that voted for Ademola Lookman and how many points he got.
