PSG Shine Bright With Record Nine 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominations

The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s biggest prizes. Every year, it goes to the best male football player in the world. The 2025 shortlist is here, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are the clear leaders. The French club has an incredible nine players on the list.

The award will be given on September 22, 2025, but the nominations are already making headlines. This year feels different. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not in the race. Their absence shows that football has entered a new era.

PSG’s Incredible Season Leads to Record Nominations

PSG had an outstanding season. They won the UEFA Champions League with dominant performances. They were strong in every competition they played. This is why they have nine players nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Their stars include Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Rising talents like Desire Doué, Vitinha, and João Neves are also on the list. PSG’s mix of experienced players and young talent has set them apart.

Fans in the UAE and the Middle East follow PSG closely. The club’s Qatari ownership and global success have made it one of the most popular teams in the region. Their dominance on the Ballon d’Or list adds to their reputation as a true football powerhouse.

A Year Without Messi and Ronaldo

For over 15 years, the Ballon d’Or has been linked to two names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Between them, they have won the award 13 times. In 2023, Messi lifted the trophy for the eighth time.

But 2025 is different. Messi, now playing in the United States, is not on the list. Ronaldo, still performing well in Saudi Arabia, has also missed out. Their absence is a clear sign that a new generation is taking over.

For fans in the UAE and the Middle East, this change feels big. Many grew up watching Messi and Ronaldo dominate world football. Now, they will watch fresh stars fight for the sport’s top honor.

Napoli’s McTominay Makes History

One of the most surprising names on the list is Scott McTominay from Napoli. His nomination is special for two reasons.

First, he is the first Scottish player to be nominated since Ally McCoist in 1987. Second, if he wins, he will be the first Scot since Denis Law in 1964 to take home the Ballon d’Or.

Napoli only have one nominee this year, but it is a memorable one. The club’s Serie A win last season and McTominay’s performances made this possible. For football fans everywhere from Naples to Dubai his story shows that determination and hard work can make dreams real.

Barcelona’s Youngest and Oldest Nominees

Barcelona are well-known for producing world-class players. This year, they have four names on the Ballon d’Or list. What’s special is the age range.

Lamine Yamal has just turned 18 and is the youngest player in the race. On the other hand, Robert Lewandowski, at 36, is the oldest. Alongside them are Pedri and Raphinha, who represent Barcelona’s skill and creativity.

In the UAE, Barcelona remains one of the most loved clubs. The team’s academy programs and fan events in the region keep their bond with local supporters strong. Seeing their players on the shortlist will excite fans here.

Real Madrid Return After Boycott

Real Madrid skipped last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. They were unhappy that Rodri won instead of their star Vinícius Júnior. But in 2025, they are back  and stronger than ever.

They have three nominees this year: Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and new signing Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé’s move from PSG to Madrid was one of the most talked-about transfers in football history. Now, he is nominated again, this time as a Real Madrid player.

Real Madrid have a massive fan base in the Middle East. Their return to the Ballon d’Or stage will get plenty of attention in the region.

Premier League Stars Make Their Mark

The English Premier League is still one of the toughest leagues in the world. Many of its stars have made it to the 2025 Ballon d’Or list.

Names like Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) are all nominated. The Premier League’s speed, skill, and drama keep millions of fans in the UAE and the Middle East watching every week.

Mohamed Salah, in particular, is hugely popular in the Arab world. His nomination is a proud moment for fans across the region.

Middle East’s Growing Role in World Football

While no UAE player is on the list yet, the region’s role in football keeps growing. Abu Dhabi’s City Football Group owns Manchester City. Qatar owns PSG. Saudi Arabia has attracted some of the game’s biggest names to its Pro League.

The UAE has also hosted big tournaments and built world-class football academies. These efforts could one day lead to a local player making the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

Football in the Middle East is not just about watching it’s about investing, developing, and becoming part of the global football family.

Full List of 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominees

• Paris Saint-Germain (9): Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Desire Doué, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha
• Barcelona (4): Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha
• Real Madrid (3): Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
• Liverpool (4): Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz
• Inter Milan (2): Denzel Dumfries, Lautaro Martínez
• Others: Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The Ceremony in September

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on September 22. It will bring together football stars, coaches, legends, and fans from all over the world.

With Messi and Ronaldo out of the race, all eyes are on the new generation. Will it be a superstar like Mbappé or Haaland? Or will an underdog like McTominay surprise everyone?

In the UAE and the Middle East, fans will watch closely. Football is more than a game here it’s a shared passion that connects people.

A New Era of Football Excellence

The 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist shows that football is entering a new chapter. The names are younger, faster, and from a wider range of countries and clubs.

PSG’s nine nominations show how strong they are right now. Barcelona and Real Madrid still prove their class. Premier League stars remind everyone that England’s league is still full of talent. And Napoli’s McTominay reminds us that football can still surprise us.

For fans in the UAE and across the Middle East, this is a chance to witness a new age of football history being written.