Ballon d’Or 2025: Ousmane Dembélé Leads The Race Despite PSG’s Club World Cup Setback

Despite Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat to Chelsea in the 2025 Club World Cup final, Ousmane Dembélé remains the leading contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

The latest rankings highlight standout performances across domestic leagues, European competitions, and international tournaments.

Here are the top 20 contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or:

20. Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Barcola contributed significantly to PSG’s domestic and European campaigns, offering width and end product from the flanks. However, being benched in key Champions League knockout matches slightly hampers his standing.

19. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Olise impressed in his debut season, quickly becoming Bayern’s creative engine. His performances during the Club World Cup confirmed his rise to the elite level.

18. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vinícius began the season with intent but faded as Real Madrid’s form dipped. Underwhelming performances in the Club World Cup hurt his chances of a top-10 finish.

17. João Neves (PSG)
A midfield revelation after moving from Benfica, Neves was key to PSG’s treble-winning campaign. A red card in the Club World Cup final slightly blemishes his otherwise stellar year.

16. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
Europe’s most prolific striker in 2025, Gyökeres grabbed headlines with a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City. His goal tally makes him hard to ignore.

15. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Donnarumma was pivotal in PSG’s Champions League run, delivering standout performances in penalty shootouts. While goalkeepers rarely win the Ballon d’Or, he remains the top-ranked in his position.

14. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
The veteran striker found a new lease on life under Hansi Flick, leading the line in Barcelona’s domestic treble. A strong reminder of his enduring class.

13. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer ended the season in sensational form, starring in both the Champions League and Club World Cup finals. His evolution into a big-game player is earning well-deserved recognition.

12. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane finally lifted silverware this season and maintained his trademark consistency in front of goal. Bayern’s early European exits, however, hold him back from a higher spot.

11. Pedri (Barcelona)
Fully fit and back to his best, Pedri was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield. His tactical intelligence and control defined their treble-winning run.

Top 10 Ballon d’Or 2025 Contenders

10. Nuno Mendes (PSG)
A complete full-back, Mendes delivered in high-stakes games, including against Liverpool and in the Nations League final. One of PSG’s most consistent performers.

9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Splitting his season between Napoli and PSG, the Georgian winger was integral in both title wins. Though not prolific in numbers, his impact in key moments was immense.

8. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Hakimi was dominant on the right flank, excelling in both attack and defence. His goals in the latter stages of the Champions League and Club World Cup lifted his profile.

7. Désiré Doué (PSG)
Only 19, Doué has emerged as a clutch performer. He shone in finals, won Young Player of the Tournament at the Club World Cup, and delivered when it mattered most.

6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé had headline moments, including a Champions League hat-trick versus City. Yet, Real Madrid’s early exits across competitions prevent a top-five finish.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah led Liverpool to a Premier League title under new management. His lack of success in Europe and domestic cups slightly dampens what was otherwise a resurgent season.

4. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s most reliable attacker this season, Raphinha silenced critics with consistent contributions en route to a domestic treble. A remarkable turnaround story.

3. Vitinha (PSG)
The midfield metronome of PSG’s treble charge, Vitinha combined calm, creativity, and resilience. His performances in Europe and for Portugal at the international level were standout.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17, Yamal was one of the best players in Europe. From starring in the Champions League semifinals to dominating La Liga, he’s not just a prodigy—he’s already world-class.

1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Despite a quiet Club World Cup final, Dembélé’s body of work in 2025 remains unmatched. His decisive goals against Liverpool and Arsenal, plus two assists in the UCL final, make him the leading favourite for the Ballon d’Or.