- Two of Barcelona’s biggest stars have confirmed they will not be attending the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris
- They join Kylian Mbappé, who has already announced he will skip Monday night’s gala
- Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé remain among the frontrunners for the Golden Ball, while Raphinha is viewed as an outside contender
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in Paris on Monday, September 22, but several high-profile names will be absent.
Barcelona duo Pedri and Robert Lewandowski, alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, have all opted to skip the glamorous event despite being part of this year’s nominees.
Source: Getty Images
Pedri and Lewandowski were key figures in Barcelona’s domestic treble-winning campaign under Hansi Flick, with the Polish striker finishing as the team’s top scorer with 42 goals in all competitions.
Flick himself is shortlisted for the best coach award after guiding the Catalan giants to a remarkable season.
Why Pedri and Lewandowski will not attend Ballon d’Or
According to Mundo Deportivo, both players have decided against travelling to Paris, believing they stand little chance of claiming the Golden Ball.
Lewandowski’s goals and Pedri’s midfield brilliance were vital in the club’s success, but the spotlight now falls on teammates Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who are vying for the ultimate prize alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele.
Reports suggest that Pedri’s absence is also due to his decision to prioritise rest and fitness amid a demanding schedule.
Pedri and Lewandowski are not alone in this decision. Real Madrid’s Mbappe has also confirmed his absence from the Paris event, revealing he will instead watch from home while rooting for his compatriot Dembele to take the crown.
Meanwhile, GOAL.com confirms that Dembele and several PSG players could also be missing from the gala, with their absence linked to the postponed “Le Classique” against Marseille.
Source: Getty Images
Severe thunderstorms forced Ligue 1 officials to delay the clash at the Stade Vélodrome, disrupting PSG’s preparations.
The build-up to the ceremony has been further stirred by a leaked ranking circulating on social media.
The unverified list places Raphinha at the top with 800 points, followed by Dembele on 710 and Yamal in third place.
If true, the outcome would surprise many, given that Raphinha was not widely considered a favourite.
Will Barcelona attend Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Yes. Although Pedri and Lewandowski have confirmed their absence, several of Barcelona’s stars are expected to grace the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Lamine Yamal is set to appear with a large entourage of friends and family, while Raphinha is also expected to attend.
Head coach Hansi Flick, along with other club dignitaries, will likewise be present.
Beyond the men’s category, Barcelona boast a strong representation in the Ballon d’Or Féminin shortlist.
Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Vicky Lopez, and Cata Coll all earned nominations, underscoring the Catalan club’s dominance in women’s football.
Ballon d’Or insider reveals criteria for winning
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted comments from France Football’s Editor-in-Chief, Vincent Garcia, who shed light on the criteria guiding the Ballon d’Or.
Garcia, who oversees the awards, firmly dismissed rumours of a predetermined outcome, stressing that the winner will only be revealed on stage during the ceremony.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
