How the 2025 Ballon d’Or Should Have Really Been Ranked — From 30 to 1
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony crowned Ousmane Dembele, but not without controversy. While the PSG winger dazzled, many football fans and pundits felt other players were more deserving. We've re-evaluated all 30 nominees and ranked them based on performances, influence, and trophies — revealing who really should’ve lifted the golden ball.
#30 – Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan, Netherlands)
Dumfries helped Inter Milan reach the Champions League final, but a heavy 5-1 loss to PSG overshadowed his efforts. With no league title to his name either, his campaign ultimately fell flat.
#29 – Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Guinea)
Despite scoring freely in the Bundesliga, Guirassy couldn’t deliver any major silverware. Goals alone weren’t enough to push him further up this list.
#28 – Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen/Liverpool, Germany)
Wirtz added the German Super Cup to his résumé before joining Liverpool, but that was his only trophy of note. A quiet season for a player of his growing potential.
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#27 – Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
Ruiz played an important role in PSG’s midfield, yet was outshone by teammates in their Champions League-winning squad. He deserves credit, but not a top-20 spot.
#26 – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Bellingham endured a frustrating season with no trophies and a dip in form. His immense talent remains unquestioned, but 2024/25 was a step back.
#25 – Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP/Arsenal, Sweden)
Scoring 54 goals in 52 games is astonishing, but Gyokeres didn’t quite leave his mark in Europe. His stats impressed, but lacked game-defining moments on the biggest stage.
#24 – Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, Argentina)
Mac Allister quietly pulled strings in Liverpool’s midfield, contributing beyond stats. His performances were tidy and dependable, though never headline-grabbing.
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#23 – Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland)
Even at 37, Lewandowski managed 42 goals and a domestic treble. But he was often eclipsed by younger teammates during Barcelona’s campaign.
#22 – Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
After nearly winning it last year, Vinicius took a step back this season. Flashes of brilliance remained, but his overall form dipped.
#21 – Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, Argentina)
Martinez led Inter’s line well, scoring 24 goals — including nine in the Champions League. Yet, without silverware, his season lacked that winning touch.
#20 – Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Haaland still bagged goals, but didn’t hit his usual stratospheric numbers. A rare trophyless season by City’s standards affected his ranking.
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#19 – Scott McTominay (Napoli, Scotland)
Few expected McTominay to shine after leaving Manchester United, but he thrived in Naples. A key figure in Napoli’s Serie A title win, he silenced doubters with his gritty midfield dominance.
#18 – Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Man City, Italy)
Splitting his season between two elite clubs, Donnarumma provided safe hands throughout. Consistent and commanding, even if others stole the spotlight.
#17 – Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
Olise turned heads in Munich, tallying 22 goals and 24 assists. He proved that his move from Crystal Palace wasn’t just a step up — it was a leap into stardom.
#16 – Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Rice brought grit and composure to Arsenal’s midfield, delivering big performances all season. A vital presence in both attack and defense, his all-round game deserved far more recognition.
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#15 – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
A rock at the back, Van Dijk played a leading role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win. His actual 28th-place finish was an insult to his towering influence.
#14 – Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Neves provided the energy and control that underpinned PSG’s European dominance. A midfield engine who did the dirty work so stars around him could shine.
#13 – Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)
Kvaratskhelia brought flair, unpredictability, and plenty of end product in PSG’s title run. His talent is no longer a secret on Europe’s biggest stage.
#12 – Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England)
Palmer had a breakout season, lifting the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea. His creativity and goals made him a revelation in blue.
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#11 – Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Mendes finally had his breakout year, helping PSG to a clean sweep of domestic and European honors. Electric down the flank, he was a constant threat and defensive stalwart.
#10 – Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
At just 20, Doue stood tall in a squad stacked with stars. His dynamic play and clutch moments made him one of PSG’s standout performers this season.
#9 – Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
Hakimi’s versatility and consistency were crucial to PSG’s system. Equally effective in defense and attack, he played a major part in their Champions League success.
#8 – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Kane brought leadership and clinical finishing to Bayern Munich, adapting brilliantly to German football. His influence on and off the pitch elevated the team’s performances.
#7 – Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
Mbappe remained a world-class threat after his switch to Madrid, though he wasn’t quite as dominant as in previous seasons. Still, his presence alone changed games.
#6 – Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
The midfield maestro was the heartbeat of Barcelona, dictating tempo and unlocking defenses. Pedri’s football IQ and technical mastery placed him comfortably among the elite.
#5 – Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Vitinha played a quietly vital role in PSG’s midfield, linking defense and attack with elegance. While not always in the headlines, his influence was constant and commanding.
#4 – Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
Often underrated, Raphinha produced key moments for Barça in both domestic and European play. His end product and work ethic made him one of their most valuable assets.
#3 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Salah continued to deliver at the highest level, leading Liverpool's attack with his trademark sharpness. His consistency and leadership kept the Reds competitive across all fronts.
#2 – Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Dembele found redemption in Paris, dazzling fans and critics alike. While his flair and success earned him the actual award, we rank him just behind one truly exceptional talent.
#1 – Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
The teenage sensation tore up the script in 2024/25, becoming the most exciting player in world football. Records fell at his feet as he played with the confidence and ability of a seasoned great — making him, in our view, the rightful Ballon d’Or winner.
