The fact that Ronaldo and Messi were not nominated did not surprise much. In the 2024-2025 season, Ronaldo scored 35 goals and had 4 assists in 41 matches for Al-Nassr but did not win any titles at the club level.
Meanwhile, Messi scored 33 goals and assisted 9 times for Inter Miami, helping the team win the Supporters' Shield title and play outstandingly at the FIFA Club World Cup. Both played an important role in the international campaign of the national team, but were not enough to make the nomination list focusing on players playing in Europe.
All 30 players nominated this year are from clubs from Europe, mainly from the top 5 national championships. Paris Saint-Germain has the most appearances with 9 names, equal Real Madrid's record in the 2017-2018 season.
Notably, midfielder Scott McTominay - who shined for Napoli and won the Serie A Best Player award last season - became the first Scottish player in 37 years to be nominated.
The Ballon d'Or award, founded by France Football in 1956, is considered the most prestigious individual award in football. The results were decided by the votes of 100 journalists from 100 countries with the highest FIFA rankings. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025 at the Chatelet Theater, Paris (France).
