As the football world anticipates the unveiling of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, the rankings have taken a dramatic shift, especially after Lamine Yamal’s Spain fell short in the UEFA Nations League final.
With no clear frontrunner, standout campaigns across domestic leagues and continental competitions have made this year’s race one of the tightest in recent memory.
From PSG’s historic treble to Barcelona’s domestic dominance and Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, the list of top 10 contenders reflects the fierce competition:
10. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Stats: 11 goals, 15 assists, 21 clean sheets
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
Hakimi’s dynamic displays and game-winning moments at right-back played a pivotal role in PSG’s dominant season.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Stats: 14 goals, 11 assists
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Serie A, Coupe de France
Having split his season between Napoli and PSG, Kvaratskhelia’s Champions League impact boosted his Ballon d’Or claim.
8. Desire Doue (PSG)
Stats: 15 goals, 16 assists
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
A breakout star, Doue delivered key performances in Europe and domestic cups, including a memorable UCL final display.
7. Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Stats: 7 goals, 12 assists, 13 clean sheets
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League
His lockdown defensive displays—especially against Yamal—coupled with attacking contributions, push him into top-10 contention.
6. Vitinha (PSG)
Stats: 7 goals, 6 assists
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League
The midfield maestro was vital to PSG’s engine room and Portugal’s Nations League win, evoking comparisons to greats like Xavi.
5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists
Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Mbappe’s prolific form stands out, but a lack of major team success this season hurts his overall case.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists
Trophies: Premier League
Salah’s leadership and productivity led Liverpool back to league glory, but early European exits limit his top-three credentials.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
The Brazilian winger enjoyed his finest season yet, carrying Barcelona to a domestic treble with remarkable consistency.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
Despite his Nations League final loss, the 17-year-old’s influence on club and country remains staggering for his age.
1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Stats: 35 goals, 15 assists
Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
Dembele’s brilliance across all competitions—especially in the Champions League—has put him firmly at the top of the Ballon d’Or race.
What you should know
Ousmane Dembele now leads the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, edging ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal after PSG’s stellar season and Yamal’s loss in the Nations League final.
