Ballon d’Or 2025: Here Are The 30 Nominated
30. Désiré Doué
Still just 19, Désiré Doué has already made waves at Paris Saint-Germain. The French midfielder’s breakout performances in Ligue 1 and flashes of brilliance in Europe earned him a surprise place on this prestigious shortlist.
29. Scott McTominay
The Scottish midfielder has reinvented himself at Napoli. Known for his work rate and late runs into the box, McTominay played a crucial role in Napoli’s midfield engine room this season, earning well-deserved recognition.
28. Raphinha
With his flair, pace, and unpredictable creativity, Raphinha continues to shine on the wing for Barcelona. Though not always a starter, his impact in key games kept Barça’s attack alive through a transitional year.
27. Serhou Guirassy
Guirassy’s move to Borussia Dortmund proved fruitful, with the Guinean striker continuing the prolific form he showed in Germany last season. His goalscoring consistency helped Dortmund stay competitive in both league and Europe.
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26. Fabián Ruiz
Often overlooked, Fabián Ruiz has been instrumental in PSG’s midfield with his composed distribution and tactical discipline. The Spanish international's calm presence helped the team balance its attacking firepower.
25. Nuno Mendes
Despite injuries, Nuno Mendes impressed with his explosive pace and attacking intent from left-back. The 23-year-old remains one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders, especially when surging forward at PSG.
24. Viktor Gyökeres
After a stellar campaign with Sporting CP, Gyökeres made a high-profile move to Arsenal. The Swedish striker's blend of power, positioning, and finishing has turned heads across Europe.
23. Michael Olise
Olise’s switch to Bayern Munich gave him a bigger stage — and he didn’t disappoint. With slick footwork and precision passing, the Frenchman added unpredictability and vision to the Bavarian side’s attack.
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22. João Neves
One of the most technically gifted players of his generation, João Neves broke through at PSG this season. His composure and maturity in midfield belie his age, earning him attention across Europe.
21. Achraf Hakimi
The Moroccan full-back continues to be a menace down the right for club and country. Hakimi’s pace, stamina, and attacking threat make him a unique presence in both defense and transition play.
20. Pedri
Injury setbacks didn’t stop Pedri from delivering quality when fit. The Spanish playmaker brought control and vision to Barcelona’s midfield, showcasing why he remains one of Europe’s most technically gifted talents.
19. Alexis Mac Allister
The Argentine midfielder adapted seamlessly to Liverpool’s system, combining South American flair with Premier League grit. His passing range and intelligence kept Liverpool ticking throughout a demanding season.
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18. Denzel Dumfries
Known for his tireless runs and strength, Dumfries helped Inter dominate Serie A. The Dutchman remains one of the most feared wide players, contributing both defensively and in attack.
17. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia dazzled with Napoli before sealing a move to PSG. The Georgian winger, known for his fearless dribbling and eye for goal, has become one of Europe's most entertaining attacking talents.
16. Cole Palmer
Palmer went from promising youngster to Chelsea’s talisman in a single season. His composure, vision, and match-winning performances earned him plaudits and a place among the world’s best.
15. Vitinha
Vitinha emerged as one of PSG’s most consistent performers this season. With his technical ability and sharp decision-making, he often dictated tempo and linked play between defense and attack.
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14. Lautaro Martínez
Inter’s captain continued his brilliant form, leading the line with authority. Lautaro’s movement, strength, and finishing touch were central to Inter’s strong domestic campaign.
13. Declan Rice
Rice brought steel and composure to Arsenal's midfield. With elite defensive awareness and improved distribution, he played a key role in pushing the Gunners into title contention once again.
12. Gianluigi Donnarumma
A towering figure in PSG’s goal, Donnarumma was crucial during tight moments in both Ligue 1 and Europe. His reflexes and command in the box remain among the best in the world.
11. Robert Lewandowski
Despite his age, Lewandowski continued to score at a high level for Barcelona. The Polish striker’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing keep him relevant in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
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10. Florian Wirtz
Wirtz lit up the Bundesliga with vision, flair, and maturity beyond his years. His contributions were vital to Bayer Leverkusen’s record-breaking season and earned him a move to Liverpool.
9. Virgil van Dijk
Back to his commanding best, Van Dijk anchored Liverpool’s backline with leadership and calm under pressure. The Dutchman proved once again why he's one of the finest defenders of his generation.
8. Harry Kane
Kane's debut season at Bayern saw him break records and light up the Bundesliga. The England captain showcased not only his goalscoring prowess but also his elite link-up play and vision.
7. Mohamed Salah
Salah maintained his incredible consistency for Liverpool, scoring and assisting at a top level yet again. The Egyptian forward remains one of the game’s most reliable match-winners.
6. Ousmane Dembélé
Back to full fitness, Dembélé displayed his full repertoire of tricks at PSG. The French winger’s unpredictability and creative spark terrorized defenders all season long.
5. Vinícius Júnior
Vinícius continued to mesmerize with his pace, dribbling, and flair. His contributions were vital in Real Madrid’s attacking dominance and made him a top contender for this year’s award.
4. Lamine Yamal
At just 17, Lamine Yamal stunned the football world with his confidence and skill. A generational talent, his breakthrough season with Barcelona was one of the most talked-about stories of the year.
3. Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid marked a new chapter, and he hit the ground running. Combining blistering pace with clinical finishing, he remains one of the most feared attackers in football.
2. Erling Haaland
Though he narrowly missed out on top spot, Haaland’s season was phenomenal. His sheer scoring volume, physical dominance, and presence in key matches make him an ever-present Ballon d’Or threat.
1. Jude Bellingham
What a year for Jude Bellingham. The 22-year-old led Real Madrid with maturity, poise, and goals in crucial moments. Whether in La Liga, the Champions League, or with England, Bellingham proved he belongs at the very top.
