Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings: The Final Top 20 – Ranked
The race for the Ballon d'Or 2025 has been one of the most exciting in recent years, with no clear favorite for much of the campaign. With Rodri unable to defend his crown due to injury, a new winner will be crowned. Here is the full ranking of the top 20 candidates, starting from the bottom and working up to the number one contender.
20. Scott McTominay (Napoli)
The Scottish midfielder stunned the football world by leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in decades. With 16 goals and six assists, he became Serie A’s MVP and the driving force of Antonio Conte’s side.
19. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Olise silenced any doubts after his move from Crystal Palace with a stellar season in Germany. Contributing 22 goals and 24 assists, he was Bayern’s creative heartbeat and shone brightly at just 23 years old.
18. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)
After finishing second in 2024, Vinícius looked to go one better this year but fell short. Despite 24 goals and 20 assists, his underwhelming Club World Cup campaign hurt his chances of a higher finish.
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17. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
Neves proved to be a revelation in midfield following his move from Benfica. His combination of physicality and class helped PSG to a treble, with a crucial Champions League goal cementing his importance.
16. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP / Arsenal)
The Swedish striker enjoyed a record-breaking season, scoring an astonishing 63 goals. His prolific form helped Sporting win a domestic double before earning a big-money transfer to Arsenal.
15. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Italian goalkeeper was outstanding in Europe, producing heroic saves in key knockout ties. With 19 clean sheets and a Champions League medal, he reminded the world why he is one of the best.
14. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
At 36, Lewandowski turned back the clock under Hansi Flick, hitting 44 goals across competitions. His experience and sharp finishing helped Barcelona to a domestic treble, earning him a Ballon d’Or return.
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13. Pedri (Barcelona)
Finally injury-free, Pedri reached the dazzling heights many predicted when he first broke through. His control of Barcelona’s midfield, particularly in the Copa del Rey final, cemented his world-class status.
12. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer’s season was a tale of two halves, but he came alive on the big stage. With 18 goals, 14 assists, and starring performances in two finals, he secured another Ballon d’Or nomination.
11. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
At long last, Harry Kane lifted silverware, firing Bayern to the Bundesliga title. His 48 goals and all-round play ensured he finally joined football’s winners’ circle.
10. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese left-back elevated his reputation with match-winning displays on both ends of the pitch. Scoring vital goals and shutting down elite attackers, he was key to PSG’s treble and Portugal’s Nations League triumph.
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9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain / Napoli)
The Georgian winger split his season between Napoli and PSG, excelling at both clubs. With 15 goals and 13 assists, his flair and decisive Champions League performances caught voters’ attention.
8. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
The teenage sensation thrived in his first PSG season, delivering on the grandest stages. With 16 goals and 16 assists, his Champions League final display was a defining moment.
7. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Moroccan right-back combined defensive solidity with attacking flair, contributing in all major competitions. His goals in every round of the Champions League knockouts underlined his world-class consistency.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé’s first year at Madrid was turbulent, yet his 46 goals ensured he still stood out. Despite flashes of brilliance, late-season disappointments denied him a real shot at the Golden Ball.
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5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah rediscovered his peak form under Arne Slot, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title. With 36 goals and 24 assists, he was a frontrunner until Liverpool’s Champions League exit derailed his campaign.
4. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Often overshadowed in previous seasons, Raphinha became Barcelona’s most decisive attacker. With 39 goals and 25 assists, he drove them to a domestic treble in the best form of his career.
3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese midfielder was the heartbeat of PSG’s treble-winning side. Controlling games with elegance and vision, he capped off his year by lifting the Nations League with Portugal.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 18, Yamal dazzled with maturity and magic beyond his years, registering 21 goals and 26 assists. Already being tipped as the future of football, he came agonizingly close to making history as the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner.
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1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
After years of unfulfilled potential, Dembélé finally delivered the season of his career. With 37 goals, 16 assists, and decisive performances in PSG’s Champions League run, he is now the clear favorite to lift the Golden Ball.
