Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees revealed: Scott McTominay joins Yamal, Mbappe, Dembele on shortlist as likely winners assessed

The 30-man shortlist for the 2025 men's Ballon d'Or has been revealed, and there is a notable spot among the elite for former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

The Scotland international was a cornerstone of Napoli's title-winning side under Antonio Conte in the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, contributing a terrific 12 goals and six assists in 34 top-flight matches en route to the Scudetto.

McTominay opened the scoring in Napoli's 2-0 title-clinching win over Cagliari on the final day of the season, and the 28-year-old's feats have been recognised with a momentous Ballon d'Or nomination.

The ex-Red Devils starlet joins 29 other heralded names on the shortlist for the biggest individual prize of them all, and the Scotsman is joined by four Englishmen in the nominees, as Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have all made the cut.

Who are the most likely contenders to win the Ballon d'Or?

However, the British quintet will almost certainly be fighting a losing battle to take home the top honour, which could very well fall into the lap of Paris Saint-Germain hero Ousmane Dembele after an extraordinary 2024-25.

The former Barcelona attacker unexpectedly blossomed in a centre-forward role for PSG last season, spearheading Les Parisiens to Champions League glory with eight goals and six assists in Europe's top tournament.

Across all competitions, Dembele came up with an astounding 51 goal contributions in 53 appearances - 35 of his own and 16 assists - although he faces stiff competition from two Barcelona wing wizards.

Teenage superstar Lamine Yamal and one-time Leeds United man Raphinha - who equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the most UCL goal contributions in a single season with 21 - are also considered among the main contenders for the prize.

Back in England, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah can expect to challenge after equalling the record for the most Premier League goal involvements in a campaign, although the Reds' UCL failure may work against him there.

Ballon d'Or awards 2025: Who is up for Kopa Trophy, Yashin Award?

As well as the top honour, a plethora of other prestigious awards will be handed out at the next Ballon d'Or ceremony, including the prizes for the best young player (Kopa Trophy) and best goalkeeper (Yashin Award).

Current Kopa Trophy holder Yamal is up for the award once again, as are Chelsea's Estevao Willian, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and former Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, now of Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez has been nominated for a potential third straight Yashin Trophy, but PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma is the overwhelming favourite to claim that particular prize.

Martinez is one of four Premier League goalkeepers shortlisted for that honour, alongside Arsenal's David Raya, Liverpool's Alisson Becker and Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels, who shared the Golden Glove with the former last season.

In the women's game, England heroes Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo have all been shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or Feminin, which could be won by Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati for the third year running.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or awards will be held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on September 22.