2025 Ballon d’Or: Re-Ranking All 30 Nominees From Worst to Best
The 2025 Ballon d’Or crowned Ousmane Dembélé after his sparkling campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, but as always, debate followed. Were the right players rewarded? Should others have ranked higher? The official standings often leave fans unconvinced.
That’s why we’ve taken the 30-man shortlist and re-ordered it, this time from worst to best. From dependable veterans and breakout stars to Barcelona’s teenage phenomenon, here’s how the Ballon d’Or 2025 should have been ranked — starting at number 30 and building up to the true winner.
30. Denzel Dumfries
Inter’s right-back had another busy season, capped by a Champions League final appearance. Yet, his weaknesses were exposed on the biggest stage and he lacked the consistency of true elite candidates. A solid year, but he finishes bottom of the pile here.
29. Serhou Guirassy
The Dortmund striker racked up goals in bunches but struggled when the stakes were highest. Without silverware or standout European moments, his prolific numbers weren’t enough for a higher finish.
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28. Florian Wirtz
Brilliant in flashes, Wirtz’s year was undermined by a lack of trophies and consistency. His talent is obvious, but 2025 wasn’t his defining season. Liverpool fans expect more in his first full campaign.
27. Fabián Ruiz
Ruiz was reliable in PSG’s midfield but overshadowed by bigger names around him. He linked play well but rarely dominated matches. An important cog, not a headline star.
26. Jude Bellingham
After a stellar debut year in Spain, Bellingham’s follow-up fell flat. Injuries and Real Madrid’s failure to lift silverware pushed him down the rankings. A setback, but only temporary for a player of his calibre.
25. Viktor Gyökeres
Gyökeres scored freely at Sporting and carried that form into Arsenal. Yet without major European success, his prolific output wasn’t enough to crack the upper ranks. He remains a lethal striker but short of Ballon d’Or impact.
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24. Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister quietly ran Liverpool’s midfield, providing balance and creativity. His contributions were understated rather than spectacular. An invaluable player, but not one who defined the year globally.
23. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski kept scoring at an impressive rate for Barcelona despite his age. However, he was often overshadowed during Barça’s treble-winning campaign. A legendary figure, but not central enough in 2025.
22. Vinícius Júnior
After nearly winning in 2024, Vinícius’s output slipped. Inconsistency and a trophyless year for Real Madrid saw him tumble down the pecking order. Still capable of brilliance, but not his year.
21. Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro delivered goals for Inter and remained a consistent leader in attack. But falling short in Serie A and the Champions League final limited his case. A good year, not a great one.
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20. Erling Haaland
By normal standards, Haaland’s goal tally was excellent. By his own, it was a quiet year. Without trophies to back it up, his Ballon d’Or chances faded quickly. He’ll be back in contention soon.
19. Scott McTominay
A surprise name on the shortlist, McTominay thrived at Napoli and helped them win Serie A. His rise in Italy was one of the year’s most unexpected success stories. A cult favourite, but not among the elite.
18. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Splitting his season between PSG and Manchester City, Donnarumma was steady but not spectacular. He lacked the defining moments that separate keepers who win big awards.
17. Michael Olise
Olise’s move to Bayern proved a masterstroke as he produced dazzling numbers in goals and assists. At just 23, his rise is one of the stories of the season. His star is still on the rise.
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16. Declan Rice
Rice anchored Arsenal’s midfield superbly, showcasing intelligence and drive. Without silverware, he couldn’t break higher, but his form was among the best in the Premier League.
15. Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s title-winning captain reminded the world of his leadership and defensive dominance. Not quite at his peak anymore, but still a defining figure for club and country.
14. João Neves
The PSG youngster impressed with composure and tactical maturity well beyond his years. He looks like a future superstar, and 2025 was his breakout campaign.
13. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Dynamic and unpredictable, Kvaratskhelia added flair to PSG’s attack after leaving Napoli. His creativity was vital in big matches, though inconsistency kept him outside the top 10.
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12. Cole Palmer
Palmer became Chelsea’s talisman, carrying the team with goals and assists across competitions. From squad player to club leader in two years, his rise has been extraordinary.
11. Nuno Mendes
Mendes quietly pieced together a phenomenal trophy haul with PSG and Portugal. His reliability at left-back provided the platform for others to shine. A complete modern full-back.
10. Désiré Doué
Fearless and inventive, Doué burst into PSG’s starting XI and left his mark in Europe. For a 20-year-old to hold his own among superstars is remarkable. His trajectory points sky-high.
9. Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi was sensational throughout PSG’s campaign, combining relentless attacking thrust with defensive stability. A model of consistency, he fully deserves a top-10 spot.
8. Harry Kane
Kane’s first season in Germany underlined his world-class credentials. He scored heavily and linked play brilliantly for Bayern. His impact ensured they remained dominant domestically.
7. Kylian Mbappé
The blockbuster move to Real Madrid came with huge pressure, and Mbappé delivered in La Liga. Falling short in Europe holds him back slightly, but his star power is undimmed.
6. Pedri
Barcelona’s midfield conductor was at his brilliant best during their treble-winning run. Vision, control, and maturity defined his season. A future Ballon d’Or winner in waiting.
5. Vitinha
The unsung hero of PSG’s triumphs, Vitinha pulled the strings in midfield with precision and intelligence. Often overlooked, his contribution was impossible to ignore this year.
4. Raphinha
Raphinha stepped up for Barcelona when it mattered most, producing goals and assists in key matches. He has evolved into one of Europe’s most reliable wingers and a genuine game-changer.
3. Mohamed Salah
Salah drove Liverpool to a Premier League title, proving once again he is one of the most consistent stars of the era. His influence on the pitch is still unmatched even in his 30s.
2. Ousmane Dembélé
The official winner dazzled for PSG, finally fulfilling his enormous potential. His pace, trickery and end product defined PSG’s European run. A brilliant year — but not quite the best.
1. Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s teenage prodigy had a dream year, spearheading their treble with jaw-dropping performances. His creativity and composure belie his 18 years. For us, the youngest star on the list is the rightful Ballon d’Or winner in 2025.
