- Real Madrid offensive asset Kylian Mbappe occupies the 8th position on the latest Ballon d’Or power rankings
- Wonderkid Lamine Yamal and experienced Ousmane Dembele are the top two contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
- There are 9 Paris Saint-Germain players in the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist that was announced on August 7
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal emerge as the leading contenders for the Golden Ball after unforgettable seasons.
Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri’s injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season, meaning the 2024 winner won’t be around to defend his crown.
Source: Getty Images
For anyone who thought the France Football Ballon d’Or had lost its spark following the end of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s reign, think again.
Last year saw one of the tightest contests in recent memory, with Rodri edging out Vinícius Júnior for the honor, with Cristiano Ronaldo later explaining the Real Madrid star should have won the prize. The result sparked drama, as Real Madrid boycotted the Paris ceremony in protest over their star forward missing out.
Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees
The 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist, released on August 7, features a dazzling mix of world-class talent and emerging stars, promising one of the most competitive races in recent years.
Paris Saint-Germain dominate with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Désiré Doué, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz,Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembélé, Who is considered the frontrunner to win the prestigious title, according to GOAL.
Real Madrid’s challenge comes via Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior. Barcelona are represented by Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who makes a strong case for this year’s award.
Other Premier League nominees include Arsenal duo Viktor Gyökeres and Declan Rice, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Florian Wirtz.
Bayern Munich put forward Harry Kane and Michael Olise, while 2025 Champions League losing finalists Inter Milan boast Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martínez.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Napoli’s Scott McTominay, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland also feature. Completing the lineup is Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, now shining in Paris. The race is now wide open for football’s top individual prize.
Source: Getty Images
Who will win Ballon d’Or 2025?
According to GiveMeSport, French forward of Paris Saint-Germain Ousmane Dembele is the hottest favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or as he leads the power rankings as of August 9, 2025.
See the full Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings below.
1. Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
3. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain
4. Raphinha – Barcelona
5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
6. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain
8. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
9. Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain
10. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain
11. Pedri – Barcelona
12. Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
13. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain
14. Cole Palmer – Chelsea
15. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
16. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
17. Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid
18. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
19. Scott McTominay – Napoli
20. Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain
21. Joao Neves – Paris Saint-Germain
22. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen/Liverpool
23. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
24. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
25. Declan Rice – Arsenal
26. Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool
27. Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting CP/Arsenal
28, Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
29. Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund
30. Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan
Source: YEN.com.gh
