Barcelona icon Ronaldinho will hand out the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris on Monday night, with Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal emerging as the leading contenders for world football’s most prestigious individual award.
Dembele, fresh off a treble-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain, is widely considered the favourite, while 17-year-old Yamal’s breakthrough year at Barcelona has put him firmly in the spotlight.
Ronaldinho replaces Stoichkov
Reports from Cadena COPE confirm that Ronaldinho, who won the award himself in 2005, will serve as the guest of honour and presenter.
Initial plans had named another former Barcelona star, Hristo Stoichkov, as the presenter, but organisers have since chosen Ronaldinho for the high-profile role in Paris.
Ronaldinho to present 2025 Ballon d’Or
Ousmane Dembele is tipped favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or title
Big names absent from the gala
Several football stars will not attend the ceremony. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has already stated he will follow the event from home, backing compatriot Dembele to win.
Barcelona duo Pedri and Robert Lewandowski are also expected to skip the gala, with neither in serious contention.
Dembele’s attendance in doubt
Despite being the frontrunner, Dembele’s presence remains uncertain due to PSG’s rescheduled Ligue 1 clash with Marseille.
The Frenchman was omitted from Luis Enrique’s initial squad because of injury, raising the possibility that he could remain in Paris to attend the ceremony while his teammates return to action.