France Football magazine on Thursday revealed the official shortlists for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, with Moroccan players earning notable recognition.
Yassine Bounou, the Moroccan international goalkeeper currently playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper. Rising star Ayoub Bouaddi was also shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy, which honors the best under-21 player.
Bounou faces stiff competition from top names including Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez, Brazilians Alisson and Ederson, Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, France’s Mike Maignan, Germany’s André Lenor, Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel, and Spain’s David Raya.
Bouaddi, who plays for French club Lille, earned his nomination following a standout season in Ligue 1. His consistent performances and technical ability have drawn attention across Europe, establishing him as one of the continent’s most promising young talents.
He will compete for the Kopa Trophy against a talented field that includes Spain’s Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Brazil’s Endrick (Real Madrid), Japan’s Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), France’s Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), Senegal’s Pape Sarr (Tottenham), Brazil’s Matheus Nascimento (Botafogo), Ivory Coast’s Kouakou Emmanuel (Stade de Reims), France’s Kylian Saimon (Clermont Foot), and Brazil’s Wellington Martins (Athletico Paranaense).
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sept. 22 in Paris, with global football legends and stars expected to attend.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.