With Rodri sidelined due to injury and unable to defend his 2024 Ballon d’Or crown, the path is clear for a new name to be etched into football history. The 2024-25 season has been driven by club performance alone, with no international tournaments shaping the narrative. From consistent veterans to emerging stars, here are the top 20 contenders—starting from the bottom.

20. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain

Doue delivered 13 goals and 15 assists in a season where he stepped up during crucial Champions League moments. His contributions in PSG’s treble-winning run make a strong case for his first Ballon d’Or nomination.

19. Declan Rice – Arsenal

Rice produced 11 goals and 13 assists and impressed with his commanding presence in the Champions League, especially in the knockout rounds. While Arsenal ended the season trophyless, his European performances stand out.

18. Denzel Dumfries – Inter

Dumfries recorded 14 goals and 7 assists, peaking during the Champions League semi-finals with decisive displays against Barcelona. If Inter wins the final, his place among the nominees could be secure.

17. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain

Hakimi was a dual threat all season, providing 9 goals and 15 assists while helping PSG keep 19 clean sheets. His crucial goals in key Champions League matches enhanced his reputation as one of the best right-backs.

16. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Bellingham’s season included 15 goals and 17 assists, but his impact dipped compared to his debut year. Injuries and role changes influenced his form, making a repeat podium finish unlikely.

15. Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

Vinicius registered 22 goals and 19 assists but struggled to maintain momentum in 2025. After finishing second last year, his campaign lacked the decisive edge to repeat that feat.

14. Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting CP

Gyokeres stunned the football world with 63 goals and 16 assists, dominating Portugal and shining in the Champions League. His explosive scoring form makes him a serious contender despite playing outside the top five leagues.

13. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain

Vitinha anchored PSG’s midfield in a treble-winning year, contributing 7 goals and 5 assists. Often the team’s quiet orchestrator, his influence was critical to their consistency.

12. Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain

Mendes combined strong defending with attacking output, recording 6 goals, 11 assists, and 12 clean sheets. His standout performances in the Champions League helped boost his international profile.

11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain

Kvaratskhelia played for both PSG and Napoli this season, helping each win titles. With 13 goals and 11 assists, his Champions League highlights were key to his Ballon d’Or prospects.

10. Lautaro Martinez – Inter

Martinez scored 25 goals and added 8 assists despite injuries and Inter’s domestic collapse. His return in the Champions League semi-finals helped guide Inter to another European final.

9. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona

Lewandowski hit 44 goals and 5 assists, leading Barcelona to a domestic treble. Under Hansi Flick, he rediscovered top form and proved age is just a number.

8. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Kane finally claimed a major trophy by winning the Bundesliga, scoring 43 goals and assisting 13. Although Bayern underperformed in Europe, his individual season was among the best of his career.

7. Pedri – Barcelona

Pedri scored 6 goals and made 9 assists, playing his most complete season yet. With consistent fitness and standout performances, he was crucial to Barcelona’s domestic dominance.

6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid

Mbappe managed 43 goals and 5 assists but saw his season unravel late with Madrid’s trophy losses. Despite some stunning moments, it wasn’t enough to push him to the top this year.

5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Salah was in top form with 36 goals and 24 assists, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title. However, a Champions League exit and poor cup final display may hurt his Ballon d’Or chances.

4. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain

Donnarumma’s 12 clean sheets and heroic Champions League performances set him apart. His saves in penalty shootouts and key moments were vital to PSG’s European campaign.

3. Raphinha – Barcelona

Raphinha had his best season yet with 39 goals and 25 assists, driving Barcelona to a treble. His consistent goal contributions made him one of Europe’s most impactful attackers.

2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

Yamal’s 19 goals and 26 assists at just 17 years old captivated fans across Europe. His dazzling displays in La Liga and the Champions League marked a historic season for the teenager.

1. Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain

Dembele recorded 35 goals and 13 assists and was key in PSG’s treble pursuit and Champions League run. His performances in the biggest matches of the season make him the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.