The 20 Favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The days of the Ballon d'Or being a two-man race between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are finally behind us. A new generation of stars has stepped up, and the 2025 rankings reveal a thrilling mix of established icons, breakout sensations, and rising prodigies all vying for football’s most prestigious individual prize. From towering defenders and brilliant playmakers to lightning-quick wingers and clinical strikers, this season’s contenders have lit up both club and international stages.
As the October gala draws closer, we break down the top 20 players leading the charge for the coveted golden ball—starting with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and building all the way up to Paris Saint-Germain’s dazzling frontman, Ousmane Dembele.
20. Alessandro Bastoni
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has once again showcased why he’s among the best center-backs in Europe. Calm under pressure and commanding in the air, the Italian international was key in helping Inter secure another strong Serie A run. While defenders rarely get Ballon d'Or recognition, Bastoni’s consistency and leadership have earned him a deserved spot in the conversation.
19. Scott McTominay
Now at Napoli, Scotland’s Scott McTominay has transformed into a midfield powerhouse. His box-to-box energy and knack for crucial goals made him an unexpected but essential figure in Napoli’s midfield. He might be a long shot for the Ballon d'Or podium, but his performances have caught Europe’s eye.
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18. Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s captain continues to lead from the back, helping secure another Premier League title for the Reds. Even if his peak athleticism might have waned slightly, his positioning, composure, and defensive reading remain unmatched. Van Dijk’s presence still makes him one of the world’s most feared defenders.
17. Cristiano Ronaldo
Playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo keeps putting up impressive goal tallies despite moving away from Europe’s spotlight. While the level of competition may lower his Ballon d'Or chances, his enduring hunger for goals at 40 keeps the legend firmly on the radar.
16. Vinicius Jr
It’s been a somewhat mixed season for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, whose dazzling dribbles and sharp attacking instincts still put fear into defenders. Although Madrid fell short in La Liga and the Champions League, Vini’s brilliance on the left wing continues to underline why he’s considered among the best.
15. Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona’s Polish marksman might not be as prolific as in years past, but Lewandowski remains a crucial leader in the Catalan side. His finishing touch, movement, and mentoring role for younger stars like Lamine Yamal have kept him relevant in the race.
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14. Harry Kane
Harry Kane enjoyed another incredible goal-scoring season, this time in Germany with Bayern Munich. Though Bayern stumbled domestically and in Europe, Kane’s clinical finishing and intelligent link-up play meant he was rarely to blame, keeping his Ballon d'Or hopes faintly alive.
13. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Paris Saint-Germain’s giant between the sticks played a monumental role in their Champions League triumph. Donnarumma’s big saves in key moments, especially in tense knockout games, reminded everyone why he’s among the world’s elite goalkeepers.
12. Achraf Hakimi
The Moroccan full-back has been vital to PSG’s relentless forward thrust. With blistering runs down the right flank and dependable defensive work, Hakimi added both goals and assists to his résumé, helping secure a memorable continental double.
11. Lautaro Martinez
Inter’s Argentine striker continued his consistent form, leading the line with aggression and sharp instincts. Lautaro’s ability to drop deep and bring others into play, along with clutch goals in big Serie A clashes, ensured his inclusion among the year’s elite performers.
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10. Nuno Mendes
Arguably the best left-back in the world this season, Nuno Mendes shone brightly for both PSG and Portugal. After winning the Champions League and the Nations League in quick succession, his performance against Spain—where he locked down Lamine Yamal—was a defensive masterclass.
9. Pedri
Barcelona’s midfield metronome Pedri might not rack up spectacular goal numbers, but he runs the game like a modern Xavi-Iniesta hybrid. His calm control, vision, and ability to dominate even Real Madrid’s midfield in the Copa del Rey final strengthened his Ballon d'Or case.
8. Kylian Mbappe
Now at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe captured another European Golden Shoe with 43 goals in 57 games. Though Madrid missed out on La Liga and Champions League glory, Mbappe’s frightening pace and finishing keep him a perennial favorite for individual honors.
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
PSG’s marquee January signing didn’t take long to justify the move, bringing devastating speed and trickery from Napoli. Kvaratskhelia’s fearless one-on-ones and ability to unlock defenses on either foot made him a nightmare for defenders across Europe.
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6. Desire Doue
At just 19, Desire Doue produced a season for the ages with PSG. From scoring a brace and adding an assist in the Champions League final to driving his team forward in Ligue 1, his explosive talent is being hailed as France’s next great attacking gem.
5. Mohamed Salah
Even under a new manager, Salah showed he’s still Liverpool’s Egyptian King. Contributing 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 games, plus a record of scoring and assisting in 10 different Premier League matches, Salah remains a statistical marvel—though Liverpool’s early Champions League exit dented his chances.
4. Raphinha
Barcelona’s Brazilian winger delivered an astonishing 34 goals and 25 assists this season. Especially with clutch performances in El Clasico and powering Barca to the La Liga title, Raphinha silenced doubters who once questioned his high-profile move from Leeds.
3. Vitinha
Often the overlooked orchestrator, Vitinha’s intelligence and composure in PSG’s midfield made them tick. From guiding them through tense Champions League nights to lifting the Nations League with Portugal, his work finally got the global appreciation it deserves.
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2. Lamine Yamal
At just 17, Lamine Yamal is rewriting history books. Helping Barca to another league crown and leading Spain deep into tournaments, his flair, fearlessness, and mature decision-making have sparked comparisons to a young Messi—and with reason.
1. Ousmane Dembele
Topping the list is Ousmane Dembele, who flourished in Paris after leaving Barcelona. With 34 goals, 15 assists, and decisive strikes throughout PSG’s European campaign, Dembele’s electric performances have him rightfully leading the Ballon d'Or charge, as he spearheads a new era beyond Messi and Ronaldo.
