The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is heating up as the football world gears up for the prestigious ceremony on September 22, 2025, at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet. With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup now in the books, the rankings for football’s ultimate individual prize have seen some dramatic shifts. From dazzling youngsters to seasoned superstars, here are the top five contenders vying for the Golden Ball, based on their performances throughout the 2024-25 season.
1. Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as the leading candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and it’s easy to see why. The Paris Saint-Germain star has been a force this season, leading his team to a Champions League triumph and a Club World Cup final appearance. With an impressive tally of 33 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, Dembélé’s impact has been undeniable. His pivotal performances, including a goal against Bayern Munich and an assist in the Club World Cup semifinal thrashing of Real Madrid, have solidified his position at the top. Despite PSG’s loss to Chelsea in the final, Dembélé’s consistency and big-game mentality make him a strong favorite to claim the Golden Ball, potentially becoming only the fourth player in 17 years to break the Messi-Ronaldo dominance, joining Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Rodri.
2. Lamine Yamal
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is making waves as one of football’s brightest young stars. The FC Barcelona wonderkid has dazzled with 18 goals and 21 assists in the 2024-25 season, leading La Liga in successful dribbles with an average of 4.6 per match. His flair and maturity shone through in La Liga and the Champions League, though Barcelona’s absence from the Club World Cup slightly dented his chances. Still, Yamal’s individual brilliance and key contributions to Barça’s domestic double keep him firmly in the top tier. If voters prioritize potential and impact, Yamal could make history as the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.
3. Raphinha
Raphinha has been a key figure in Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs, finishing the season with 18 goals and 11 assists in La Liga alone, plus a joint-top 13 goals in the Champions League. His standout moments include a hat-trick against Bayern Munich and decisive contributions in El Clásico and against Dortmund. While Barcelona’s absence from the Club World Cup limited his global exposure, Raphinha’s creativity and consistency make him a strong contender, often ranked in the top five.
4. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of historic, with 34 goals and 23 assists in the Premier League alone, leading Liverpool to the title under Arne Slot. His 47 goal involvements set a new Premier League record, and he claimed the Golden Boot. However, Liverpool’s early Champions League exit and lack of international success in 2025 have slightly weakened his case. Despite a late-season dip in form, Salah’s sheer output in Europe’s most competitive league keeps him in the conversation, though his chances of topping the list are fading.
5. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé was expected to dominate the 2025 Ballon d’Or race after his blockbuster move to Real Madrid, where he scored 40 goals and 5 assists in his debut season. A hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League was a highlight, but Real Madrid’s trophyless domestic campaign and early Champions League exit hurt his prospects. His struggles in the Club World Cup, particularly against his former club PSG, further derailed his bid for the Golden Ball. While still a world-class talent, Mbappé’s lack of team silverware this season has pushed him down the rankings.
