Ronaldinho Set to Present 2025 Ballon d’Or as Dembélé and Yamal Shine

The football community is eagerly anticipating the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which will take place on September 22, 2025, at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is expected to present the award, marking a significant moment as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of his own victory in 2005. While his role has not been officially confirmed, credible sources such as COPE and Mundo Deportivo suggest that his participation is likely, generating excitement among fans.

This year’s ceremony features two standout nominees: Ousmane Dembélé and 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Both players have had extraordinary seasons, representing their clubs and countries with remarkable skill. Yamal, often hailed as Barcelona’s next generational talent, played a pivotal role in securing a historic treble for his team, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa. His impressive record includes 18 goals and 21 assists, alongside a European Championship title with Spain. Notably, he became the youngest scorer in El Clásico history and the youngest player to achieve 100 appearances for Barcelona.

Dembélé, on the other hand, has been a crucial figure for Paris Saint-Germain under manager Luis Enrique. His contributions helped the French champions clinch a treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. With a tally of 32 goals and eight assists, Dembélé’s performances have been nothing short of spectacular, especially in high-stakes matches.

Ronaldinho has publicly expressed admiration for Dembélé, stating, “He has a bit of Brazilian style; he dribbles, creates, and surprises you.” This sentiment is echoed by PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos, who argued that if Dembélé’s name were synonymous with legends like Messi or Ronaldo, the debate surrounding his candidacy would be settled without question.

With Dembélé bringing experience and impressive statistics to the table, and Yamal representing the bright future of football, the competition for the Ballon d’Or is particularly intense this year. Should Ronaldinho take the stage to present the award, it would symbolize a significant transition in the sport, bridging the legacy of past champions with the emerging stars poised to shape football’s future.

As the ceremony approaches, the anticipation builds, not just for the winner, but for a moment that celebrates the evolution of the game and the players who define it.