With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer dominating the global stage, the Ballon d'Or has entered a thrilling new era — and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable races yet. After Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the award in 2024, this year’s race has been wide open, particularly following the Spaniard’s season-ending knee injury.
The absence of major international tournaments meant club performances took center stage — and with the Club World Cup still on the horizon, the stakes remain high before the winner is crowned in Paris on September 22.
Here are the updated power rankings for the 2025 Ballon d'Or:
20. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
📊11 goals 13 assists
Rice turned heads with a stellar showing in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid — including a sensational free-kick brace. Despite a trophyless campaign, his big-game impact could earn him a nomination.
19. Bradley Barcola (PSG)
📊 23 goals, 19 assists
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions*
At just 22, Barcola was decisive throughout PSG’s treble-winning campaign. Though he didn’t start every big match, his impact — especially in domestic finals — was undeniable.
18. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
📊 15 goals, 17 assists
🏆 UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
A quieter season by Bellingham’s lofty standards, capped by a looming shoulder surgery.
His numbers were solid, but he lacked the Champions League shine of 2023–24.
17. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
📊 22 goals, 19 assists
🏆 UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Still one of the most electric wingers in the world, but a dip in form during 2025 hurt his chances.
His Ballon d'Or revenge tour might have to wait another year.
16. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
📊 63 goals, 16 assists
🏆 Liga Portugal, Taca de Portugal
An astonishing goal tally made Gyokeres one of Europe’s deadliest strikers. Despite missing out on the European Golden Shoe,
his breakout campaign demands global recognition.
15. Joao Neves (PSG)
📊 5 goals, 9 assists
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League
PSG’s midfield revelation and Portugal’s Nations League hero. His €60m move from Benfica now looks like a bargain.
14. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
🧤 13 clean sheets
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
The Italian shot-stopper was a Champions League standout — especially during the knockout stages.
His performances in penalty shootouts and high-pressure moments brought PSG to the top.
13. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
📊 44 goals, 5 assists
🏆 La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana
At 36, Lewandowski continues to defy age. His connection with coach Hansi Flick revived his
best form and put him back in Ballon d'Or contention.
12. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
📊 44 goals, 13 assists
🏆 Bundesliga
Kane finally got his hands on a trophy, leading Bayern to the Bundesliga title.
A Champions League exit may have cost him a top-five finish, but he's firmly in the mix.
11. Pedri (Barcelona)
📊 7 goals, 10 assists
🏆 La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana
Finally fit and flourishing under Flick, Pedri was the midfield engine for Barcelona.
A Champions League semi-final loss limits his chances, but his trajectory is undeniable.
10. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
📊 11 goals, 15 assists, 21 clean sheets
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
Hakimi delivered on both ends of the pitch, scoring in every stage of PSG’s Champions League run.
His consistency makes him a lock for the shortlist.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG/Napoli)
📊 14 goals, 11 assists
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Serie A, Coupe de France
The Georgian winger was pivotal in PSG's title push and also helped Napoli before his move.
His jaw-dropping goal against Villa in the quarters may be his highlight of the season.
8. Desire Doue (PSG)
📊 15 goals, 16 assists
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
Still a teenager, Doue delivered in crucial games, especially the Champions League final. His rise has been nothing short of spectacular.
7. Nuno Mendes (PSG)
📊 7 goals, 12 assists, 13 clean sheets
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League
This was Mendes’ breakout year. From shutting down Salah to outclassing Yamal in the Nations League final, the left-back was a game-changer on both ends.
6. Vitinha (PSG)
📊 7 goals, 6 assists
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League
Once overlooked, Vitinha is now the heartbeat of PSG and Portugal’s midfield. His Xavi-esque play has made him a central
figure in one of the greatest seasons in club football history.
5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
📊 45 goals, 7 assists
🏆 UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Mbappe was brilliant in moments — notably a hat-trick against Man City — but a poor end to the season hurt his momentum.
A top-five finish still looks likely, but not the crown.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
📊 36 goals, 24 assists
🏆 Premier League
Liverpool’s title-winning campaign saw Salah return to his best form under Arne Slot. However,
early Champions League elimination and a missed domestic cup final may cost him the ultimate prize.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
📊 39 goals, 25 assists
🏆 La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana
Raphinha silenced all doubts, becoming Barca’s most decisive attacker. His leadership in a
domestic treble-winning team makes him a real Ballon d’Or threat.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
📊 21 goals, 26 assists
🏆 La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana
At just 17, Yamal continues to rewrite the rules of what a teenager can do in elite football.
He shone in La Liga and the Champions League — but a Nations League final loss may push him just short of glory.
1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
📊 35 goals, 15 assists
🏆 Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions
This has been Dembele’s year. Long criticized for inconsistency, the French winger became PSG’s
talisman in their historic treble season, delivering in the biggest moments — including the Champions League final.
With no player combining team and individual success better, Dembele stands as the leading candidate for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
Who do you think deserves the Ballon d’Or in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!