The Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking is becoming clearer as the 2024–25 football season nears its end. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) winger Ousmane Dembélé has taken center stage as the top favorite, thanks to a brilliant campaign filled with goals, assists, and trophies. As contenders battle it out across Europe, Dembélé's standout performances in both domestic and international competitions have placed him firmly at the top.
With 33 goals and 13 assists in 49 appearances, Dembélé has delivered consistent world-class form. He has been a driving force in PSG’s capture of the Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions. Now, with a Champions League final against Inter Milan on the horizon, the French star has the perfect stage to seal his Ballon d’Or fate.
Ballon d’Or 2025 Ranking: Top Contenders Overview
Here is a detailed look at the Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking and the key players making headlines this season:
1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, France)
- Position: Winger
- Stats: 33 goals, 13 assists
- Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
- UCL Impact: Decisive goals and assists in quarter-final and semi-final stages
Dembélé’s career resurgence at PSG has been remarkable. For the first time in years, he has completed a full season without major injuries. His speed, technical flair, and efficiency in the final third have made him PSG’s talisman. A Champions League victory would likely confirm his status as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Position: Winger
- Stats: 18 goals, 25 assists in 55 matches
- Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
At just 17 years old, Yamal has taken the football world by storm. His creativity, composure, and match-winning moments helped Barcelona secure a domestic treble. He is the youngest serious contender in the Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking and is already being compared to all-time greats.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
- Position: Winger
- Stats: 6 goals, 3 assists (recent form)
- Impact: Key in Barcelona’s UCL knockout stages
Raphinha's explosive form in the final stretch of the season, especially in the Champions League, has pushed him up the rankings. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a dark horse in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
- Position: Forward
- Stats: Consistently among top scorers
- Impact: Leader and talisman for Liverpool
Salah remains one of the world’s most reliable forwards. His consistency and influence for Liverpool in both domestic and European competitions keep him in contention, even if he doesn’t lift major trophies this year.
5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
- Position: Forward
- Achievements: La Liga top scorer
Mbappé has adapted quickly to life at Real Madrid, leading La Liga in goals. While his Ballon d’Or chances hinge on Real Madrid's European success, he remains a perennial contender due to his elite status and scoring prowess.
Ballon d’Or 2025 Ranking: Summary Table of Top 5 Players
| Rank | Player | Club | Country | Position | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ousmane Dembélé | PSG | France | Winger | 33 goals, 13 assists, Ligue 1 & Trophée des Champions, UCL finalist |
| 2 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Spain | Winger | 18 goals, 25 assists, Domestic treble winner |
| 3 | Raphinha | Barcelona | Brazil | Winger | UCL knockout-stage impact |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt | Forward | Consistent top scorer |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | France | Forward | La Liga top scorer |
Ballon d’Or 2025 Ranking: Dembélé’s Destiny Hinges on Champions League Final
The final chapter in this year’s Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking will likely be written during the UEFA Champions League final. If PSG overcomes Inter Milan and Dembélé puts in another standout performance, the narrative will be hard to ignore.
Voters tend to reward players who shine in the biggest moments, and Dembélé has done exactly that all season long. His resurgence and leadership at PSG make him not only a comeback story but also a deserving Ballon d’Or favorite.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking paints a thrilling picture of the current elite in world football. While young talents like Yamal and veterans like Salah and Mbappé remain in the chase, it’s Ousmane Dembélé’s moment to lose. With one more big game left, the world will be watching to see if he can complete his fairy tale season with football’s most prestigious individual honor.
