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Is Ballon d’Or 2025 Winner Name Leaked? Here’s Everything You Need To Learn

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Farah Ben Gamra | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 12:16 PM ET

In the days prior to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, there has been excitement in the football world about supposed leaks that have circulated online.

Screenshots and alleged rankings of the winner and top finishes began appearing on social media before the host of France Football has made its announcement.

Some versions show Barcelona teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the first place, ahead of Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha. The images spread like wildfire and there was speculation that the original results had already leaked.

Has Lamine Yamal Leaked as Winner of the Ballon d’Or?

What is fueling the leak rumors is that some documents have been making the rounds that are styled to look like they are official Ballon d’Or rankings. With a quick glance, they look plausible, but they have several inconsistencies, including misspelled names and the wrong reference to club names.

To add to the anticipation, Marca stated that “people will be shocked tonight” on their media outlet (a statement that is getting retweeted and interpreted as insinuating a surprise winner).

According to trusted soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, not one point of evidence/ fact has been leaked. Even with all the hype, no credible information has been reported confirming that the name of the eventual winner will be announced beforehand.

At this point we must now wait for today's ceremony at the thèâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the Ballon d'Or will receive its official award. The answer to that question will be known: Will it be the redemption of Ousmane Dembélé? Or will it be the brilliant teenage Lamine Yamal?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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