Ballon d’Or 2025: Kate Scott and Ruud Gullit to Host Football’s Biggest Night

Ballon d’Or 2025 will be hosted by Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet (image source)

PARIS — The spotlight will shine on the Théâtre du Châtelet on September 22, as the football world gathers for the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony—the game’s most prestigious individual award. This year’s gala will be hosted by two influential figures: Dutch legend Ruud Gullit and British broadcaster Kate Scott.

“It’s an honour to return to the stage where legends are crowned,” said Gullit, who famously lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1987.

For Gullit, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with AC Milan and a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ golden generation, hosting is both symbolic and personal. His presence bridges football’s storied past with its vibrant present. Kate Scott, by contrast, represents modern football broadcasting at its finest. Known for her incisive commentary with CBS Sports on the Champions League, she has carved out a global following for her ability to weave narratives around the game’s defining moments.

“Football is storytelling,” Scott said. “And this night is where stories become legacy.”

Together, they embody the ceremony’s blend of history and modernity. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on three frontrunners: Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé’s electric pace and leadership for both PSG and France make him a strong favourite, while Haaland’s relentless goal-scoring for Manchester City continues to redefine striker play. Vinícius, meanwhile, dazzled in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign, earning plaudits for his decisive performances.

Other outside contenders include Lionel Messi, who despite advancing age remains influential, and Jude Bellingham, whose breakthrough season at Real Madrid captured global attention.

The Ballon d’Or has transcended sport, becoming a global cultural moment watched by millions. The ceremony features not only the men’s and women’s awards, but also the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and the Kopa Trophy for top young player.

With Gullit and Scott at the helm, organisers say they aim to showcase the “universal power of football.”