Ousmane Dembélé is now leading the Ballon d'Or 2025 race — and the gap is only getting bigger after Barcelona's Champions League exit
If you thought the Ballon d’Or lost its sparkle after the Messi-Ronaldo era, think again. The race for football’s most prestigious individual prize is wide open, and with the absence of international tournaments in 2024–25, the battle is being decided solely by club performances.
'Ousmane Dembélé.'
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Following Rodri’s 2024 win—which sparked Real Madrid's dramatic boycott after Vinícius Jr. missed out—the Manchester City midfielder’s season-ending injury has blown the 2025 race wide open. As the campaign nears its conclusion, a new frontrunner has emerged: Ousmane Dembélé.
1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 35 goals, 12 assists | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
The enigmatic French winger is finally delivering on his massive potential. Crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League have helped PSG reach the final, putting Dembélé firmly in pole position.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Stats: 16 goals, 25 assists | Trophies: Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
Barcelona’s teenage sensation continues to amaze. Despite their UCL exit, Yamal remains a generational talent and the brightest young star in world football.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Stats: 37 goals, 25 assists | Trophies: Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
The Brazilian winger has led Barça’s attack with power and consistency. Still, Champions League disappointment may hinder his chances despite sensational numbers.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 12 clean sheets | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
Heroic in key Champions League knockout matches, Donnarumma may become the first goalkeeper since Lev Yashin to lift the Ballon d’Or if PSG secure European glory.
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists | Trophies: Premier League
A return to form under Arne Slot saw Salah lead Liverpool to domestic triumph. But early Champions League exit dented his campaign’s momentum.
6. Pedri (Barcelona)
Stats: 6 goals, 8 assists | Trophies: Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
The most complete midfielder in Spain this season. His influence was immense, though Barça's European collapse may prevent a top-three finish.
7. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Stats: 41 goals, 12 assists | Trophies: Bundesliga
Kane’s goal-scoring has finally been rewarded with a trophy. His all-round game makes him a real contender, though Bayern’s UCL quarter-final exit weighs heavily.
8. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Stats: 36 goals, 5 assists | Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Madrid’s season unraveled late, and despite Mbappé’s brilliance—including a Manchester City hat-trick—his Ballon d’Or hopes are likely dashed.
9. Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
Stats: 25 goals, 8 assists
Back in top form during Inter’s UCL run, Lautaro is chasing a second final appearance in three seasons. Silverware could catapult him into the top five.
10. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Stats: 42 goals, 5 assists | Trophies: Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
A resurgent campaign under Hansi Flick has brought Lewandowski back into the Ballon d’Or fold, though injury during the UCL semis was a cruel blow.
11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 11 goals, 11 assists | Trophies: Ligue 1
The Georgian’s form has fluctuated, but key moments in the Champions League helped PSG reach the final, keeping his name in the mix.
12. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 6 goals, 10 assists, 11 clean sheets | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
Mendes’ all-round performances have made him one of the world’s best left-backs this season. His strong defensive outings in the UCL were pivotal.
13. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 7 goals, 5 assists | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
The heartbeat of PSG’s midfield. Vitinha has grown into a key figure in Luis Enrique’s setup and could receive another Ballon d’Or nomination.
14. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Stats: 14 goals, 17 assists | Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
A drop-off compared to last season. With Madrid faltering, Bellingham’s early Ballon d’Or momentum has faded.
15. Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid)
Stats: 22 goals, 16 assists | Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
After being runner-up in 2024, expectations were high. Despite his electric form early on, poor team results may cost him.
16. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
Stats: 61 goals, 15 assists
A goal-scoring machine in Portugal and Europe. If he hits 70 goals and secures domestic trophies, he could earn a well-deserved nomination.
17. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 8 goals, 15 assists, 18 clean sheets | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
A complete right-back with immense impact on both ends. Big UCL goals helped his case considerably.
18. Denzel Dumfries (Inter)
Stats: 13 goals, 7 assists
The Dutch wing-back exploded in the UCL semis vs. Barcelona. If Inter win it all, his breakout run could lead to a top-10 finish.
19. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Stats: 10 goals, 13 assists
Rice’s clutch displays vs. Real Madrid turned heads. Lack of trophies hurts, but voters will remember his Champions League moments.
20. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 13 goals, 12 assists | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions
A rising star whose knockout stage heroics for PSG have put him on the map. A first Ballon d’Or nomination is within reach.
With Rodri sidelined, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or has never been more thrilling. And right now, Ousmane Dembélé has the crown within his grasp. But with Champions League glory still up for grabs, could a late surge from Lautaro, Salah, or even Donnarumma change the narrative?
Stay tuned for more updates as we close in on football’s ultimate individual honor.
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