Ballon d'Or 2025 LIVE: Winners, times & updates from ceremony in Paris

Real Madrid stay away for second year

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are not at the Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row.

They were absent from last year's ceremony, when forward Vinicius Junior was beaten to best men's player by Manchester City's Rodri.

The reason for this year's absence could be down to scheduling - Real face Levante away in the La Liga on Tuesday (20:30 BST).

Three Real players have been nominated this year: Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Mbappe told reporters after Real's Champions League win over Marseille last week that he would be watching the Ballon d'Or on the TV.

He added that he hoped France team-mate Ousmane Dembele won the men's award.

How is the Ballon d'Or winner picked?

So, how is the Ballon d'Or winner picked and just how big a deal is this award?

Well, it's the most prestigious individual prize in football and is awarded annually by France Football magazine to the player perceived to be the best in the world.

The winner is chosen through a dual system of voting.

Watch the short video to learn how the Ballon d'Or winner picked?

What's up for grabs?

Ballon d'Or

Former Netherlands star Ruud Gullit is hosting the ceremony along with presenter Kate Scott at the impressive Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

The whole things officially gets under way at 20:00 BST.

There is more than just the men's and women's Ballon d'Or being handed out.

These are the rest of the gongs...

Kopa Trophy - best-performing male and female player in the world under the age of 21 for the previous season.

Yashin Trophy - world's best male and female goalkeeper

Gerd Muller Trophy - world's best male and female striker, based on goals scored for both their club and national team.

Johan Cruyff Trophy - best male and female coach.

Men's & women's Club of the Year Trophy - awarded to the club with the most nominations for the Ballon d'Or awards.

Socrates Award - awarded to a player who has made significant contributions to social initiatives and humanitarian causes.

And the winner is...

The red carpet has been hoovered and the world of football is gathering for a glitzy ceremony in Paris for tonight's 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in the French capital.

Last year Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri walked away with the coveted award in the men's game, while Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí walked away with the women's prize.

Step this way and let's find out together who this year's winners will be.

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