Ballon d’Or 2025: Final Power Rankings Revealed
The Ballon d'Or race in 2025 has been one of the most unpredictable and entertaining contests in recent memory. For the first time in more than a decade, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were completely absent from the conversation, leaving the football world wondering who would step up and claim the Golden Ball. What we got was a season full of drama, record-breaking performances, surprise heroes, and moments that will be remembered for years to come. The 2024-25 campaign had no major international tournament to sway voters, meaning club form and consistency were more important than ever. PSG dominated Europe, Barcelona rediscovered their magic, and new stars like Désiré Doué and Joao Neves became household names. At the same time, legends like Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah proved they still belong at the very top. As the final votes are counted ahead of the big reveal in Paris, here is the ultimate ranking of the top 20 contenders for football’s most prestigious individual prize — starting from number 20 and building up to the player most likely to lift the Golden Ball.
20. Scott McTominay (Napoli)
The Scotland international enjoyed a career-best season in Italy, leading Napoli to just their fourth Scudetto in history. His 16 goals and six assists earned him Serie A MVP and turned him into one of the surprise nominees of the year.
19. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Olise became Bayern’s creator-in-chief in his debut season, tallying 22 goals and 24 assists. His performances in the Bundesliga and Club World Cup proved he is ready to shine on the biggest stages.
18. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
After finishing second in 2024, Vinícius vowed revenge, and his early-season form was electric. But a quiet 2025 and a poor Club World Cup campaign have likely cost him a top-10 finish this year.
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17. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
The young midfielder was a revelation at PSG, helping them to a historic treble and starring in the Champions League. His mix of defensive grit and attacking intelligence made him indispensable in Luis Enrique’s midfield.
16. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP / Arsenal)
The Swedish striker was a goal-scoring machine, hitting 63 goals and leading Sporting to a league and cup double. His performances earned him a Ballon d'Or nomination and a big-money move to Arsenal.
15. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain / Manchester City)
Donnarumma was PSG’s hero in the Champions League knockouts, making crucial saves and starring in shootouts. His form convinced Manchester City to sign him, making him one of the few goalkeepers in Ballon d'Or contention.
14. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
At 36, Lewandowski rolled back the years under Hansi Flick to score 44 goals and guide Barcelona to a domestic treble. It was a reminder that the veteran striker remains one of Europe’s deadliest finishers.
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13. Pedri (Barcelona)
Finally injury-free, Pedri showed why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His control and intelligence were key to Barcelona’s title-winning campaign and Copa del Rey triumph.
12. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer led Chelsea’s attack early in the season and finished with stunning displays in the Conference League and Club World Cup finals. His 18 goals and 14 assists confirm him as one of England’s brightest young stars.
11. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The England captain finally ended his trophy drought by firing Bayern to the Bundesliga title. His 48 goals proved his world-class finishing remains as sharp as ever, even if European glory eluded him again.
10. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Mendes dominated on the left flank, shutting down elite wingers like Salah and Saka while also contributing in attack. His all-round excellence helped PSG secure a historic treble and Nations League triumph with Portugal.
Read also: 10 Legendary Players Who Never Won the Ballon d'Or – Ranked
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain / Napoli)
Kvaratskhelia was instrumental in winning titles with both PSG and Napoli, including the Champions League. His flair and crucial knockout-stage moments earned him recognition among the very best.
8. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
The teenage sensation was a game-changer for PSG, stepping up in big games and delivering a brilliant Champions League final performance. His 16 goals and 16 assists capped an unforgettable debut season.
7. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hakimi reinforced his status as the best right-back in world football with clutch goals in every UCL knockout round. His 26 clean sheets underline his defensive impact, making him a complete modern full-back.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé struck 46 goals and won the European Golden Shoe but fell short in the biggest moments as Madrid’s season unraveled late. His first year at the Bernabéu was still full of highlights, including a famous hat-trick vs. Manchester City.
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5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah powered Liverpool to a Premier League title with 36 goals and 24 assists, rediscovering his very best form. However, a disappointing Champions League exit likely cost him the chance to become Africa’s first Ballon d'Or winner since 1995.
4. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha was Barcelona’s most decisive attacker, producing 39 goals and 25 assists to lead them to a domestic treble. His transformation from possible sale to Ballon d'Or contender is one of the season’s great stories.
3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Vitinha’s control of PSG’s midfield drew comparisons to Xavi, as he dictated play during their treble-winning season. He followed that up by starring for Portugal as they lifted the Nations League.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 18, Yamal produced a sensational campaign with 21 goals and 26 assists. He was Barcelona’s most dazzling attacker and seems destined to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history.
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1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembélé finally delivered on his world-class potential, becoming PSG’s talisman in their Champions League triumph. With 37 goals, 16 assists, and a treble to his name, he is the favorite to claim the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
