The Top 20 Favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

18. Federico Valverde

Valverde’s relentless energy and tactical intelligence have made him indispensable for Real Madrid. His contributions on both ends of the pitch underline his elite all-around game.

17. Virgil van Dijk

Even as Liverpool evolves, Van Dijk remains a rock at the heart of their defense. His leadership and defensive prowess continue to place him among the very best in the world.

16. Nicolò Barella

A central figure for Inter Milan, Barella blends tenacity with creativity in midfield. His consistency and impact in big matches have kept him among Europe’s elite midfielders.

15. Jamal Musiala

One of Bayern Munich’s brightest talents, Musiala dazzles with his dribbling, creativity, and intelligence. His flair and ability to decide games have fueled his rapid rise to stardom.

14. Lautaro Martínez

Lautaro has been Inter’s main man in attack, delivering goals in both domestic and European competitions. His instinct for goal and leadership make him a strong contender for individual honors.

13. Jude Bellingham

Following a spectacular start to life at Real Madrid, Bellingham continues to dominate games with maturity beyond his years. His blend of skill, leadership, and goal threat makes him a serious candidate.

12. Vitinha

Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro has been outstanding, combining vision, control, and passing range. Vitinha’s rise has been crucial for PSG’s domestic and European ambitions.

11. Declan Rice

Since his blockbuster move to Arsenal, Rice has elevated his game to new heights. His commanding presence and ability to dictate matches have made him one of the top midfielders in the world.

10. Bukayo Saka

Saka’s consistency, creativity, and eye for goal have kept Arsenal challenging at the top. His growth into a world-class talent has not gone unnoticed on the biggest stage.

9. Vinicius Jr

The electric winger continues to light up Real Madrid with his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. Vinicius remains one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.

8. Harry Kane

In his debut season with Bayern Munich, Kane has adapted seamlessly, leading the Bundesliga scoring charts. His reliability in front of goal makes him a perennial Ballon d’Or threat.

7. Pedri

Barcelona’s midfield magician has once again proven himself crucial with his technical brilliance and vision. Pedri’s intelligence on the ball sets him apart as one of the game’s finest playmakers.

6. Robert Lewandowski

The veteran striker continues to defy age, leading the line for Barcelona with his typical efficiency. Lewandowski’s goal-scoring pedigree makes him impossible to ignore in the Ballon d’Or race.

5. Ousmane Dembélé

A move to PSG has rejuvenated Dembélé, who has been devastating with his pace and technical ability. When healthy and consistent, few players in the world are as dangerous.

4. Lamine Yamal

The teenage sensation has taken the football world by storm with his dazzling skill and composure. Yamal’s historic rise has made him one of the most exciting young prospects ever.

3. Kylian Mbappé

Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé has continued to deliver electrifying performances on the biggest stages. His blend of speed, finishing, and leadership keeps him among the top contenders.

2. Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s talisman remains a constant threat with his lethal finishing and creative play. Salah’s ability to consistently deliver when it matters most keeps him firmly in the race.

1. Raphinha

Barcelona’s standout forward this season, Raphinha has combined flair, creativity, and end product to devastating effect. His decisive performances in big games have made him the current frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or 2025.