The football world is turning its attention to Paris as the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony gets underway on Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Adding to the anticipation, Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is expected to present the award, exactly 20 years after he claimed the prestigious honour himself in 2005.
While organisers are yet to officially confirm his role, respected outlets including COPE and Mundo Deportivo report that Ronaldinho’s return to the Ballon d’Or stage is highly likely. The prospect has already created excitement among fans, as two players from his former clubs; Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona headline this year’s contest.
Ousmane Dembélé and 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal are the leading nominees, with both enjoying extraordinary seasons for their clubs and countries.
Yamal, widely regarded as Barcelona’s next generational star, inspired his side to a historic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa victories. His remarkable year included 18 goals, 21 assists, a European Championship triumph with Spain, and multiple records as the youngest scorer in El Clásico and the youngest to reach 100 appearances for the club.
Meanwhile, Dembélé has been the heartbeat of Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique, driving the French champions to a treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
His tally of 32 goals and eight assists underlined a season of dominance, with standout performances in key matches.
Ronaldinho himself has been among Dembélé’s admirers, remarking: “He has a bit of Brazilian style, he dribbles, creates, and surprises you.” PSG sporting director Luis Campos went further, insisting: “If his name was Messi or Ronaldo, this wouldn’t even be a debate.”
With Dembélé offering experience, numbers and silverware, and Yamal embodying youthful brilliance and football’s future, the race remains too close to call. But should Ronaldinho present the award, it will be a symbolic moment, a champion of the past handing the torch to a new star destined to define the game’s next era.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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