Ballon d’Or 2025: Who Will Win Football’s Biggest Prize?
The 2024–25 football season has come to an end, and the attention of fans worldwide is now firmly on the Ballon d’Or 2025. After Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, debates have already begun on who deserves the most prestigious individual award in world football.
Organized by France Football, the Ballon d’Or recognizes the most outstanding player over a calendar year. The 30-man nomination list is expected next month, but five standout stars have already emerged as frontrunners for the 2025 crown.
⭐ Ousmane Dembélé – The Favourite
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé is widely tipped as the leading contender. The French winger had an extraordinary season, winning a historic quadruple with PSG and finishing as a runner-up in the Club World Cup.
35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions
Ligue 1 Golden Boot & Player of the Season
UEFA Champions League Best Player
At 28, Dembélé finally looks ready to claim the Ballon d’Or after an injury-hit career earlier on.
⭐ Lamine Yamal – The Teenage Sensation
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, just 17, is already a Ballon d’Or contender. The youngster played a vital role in helping Barca win the La Liga and Copa del Rey double, even knocking out rivals Real Madrid along the way.
18 goals and 25 assists in all competitions
Helped Spain finish runners-up in the UEFA Nations League
Could the teenage sensation become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever?
⭐ Raphinha – Barcelona’s Other Star
Yamal’s teammate Raphinha is also firmly in the race. The Brazilian winger was unstoppable, scoring 34 goals and providing 25 assists. His 21 goal contributions in the Champions League equaled the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo’s record from the 2013/14 season.
If Barcelona’s incredible domestic double carries enough weight, Raphinha could be in serious contention.
⭐ Mohamed Salah – The Liverpool Legend
At 33, Mohamed Salah continues to defy age. He was the driving force behind Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English league title, breaking multiple Premier League records.
34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions
Won the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award, and Premier League Player of the Season
Set a new record for most goal involvements in a single Premier League season
His consistency might earn him his first Ballon d’Or.
⭐ Kylian Mbappé – Madrid’s New Superstar
After joining Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé started slowly but ended the season in devastating form. He won the La Liga Golden Boot with 31 goals, securing the European Golden Shoe ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres.
While Real Madrid didn’t win every competition, Mbappé’s individual brilliance ensures he remains a strong candidate.
🏅 Who Deserves the Ballon d’Or 2025?
Each player has a strong case:
Dembele has the trophies and stats.
Yamal could make history as the youngest winner.
Raphinha has record-breaking Champions League numbers.
Salah dominated England like never before.
Mbappé shone in his debut Madrid season.
The decision will likely come down to team success vs individual brilliance, making this one of the most exciting Ballon d’Or races in recent years.
