Who Will Win the 2025 Ballon d’Or? Top 7 Contenders from the Nominees List

The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is wide open, with no clear favourite. From Champions League stars to league winners, here are 7 top contenders for football’s biggest individual prize.

7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain) 

The Georgian winger made a big impact after joining PSG mid-season. Kvaratskhelia was crucial in their Champions League run, adding goals and assists when it mattered most. Known for his dribbling and flair, he helped PSG achieve their historic treble and has earned recognition as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers. 

6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) 

Mbappé had another brilliant individual season with Real Madrid, including a Champions League hat-trick. However, Madrid failed to win any major titles this season, which could hurt his chances. Still, his goal-scoring form and star power keep him in the conversation. If he had won more trophies, he might have been a clear favourite. 

5. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) 

Vitinha has been one of PSG’s most consistent and influential players this season. Operating from midfield, he controlled games, provided key assists, and scored important goals in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His intelligent positioning and ability to dictate tempo helped PSG dominate European football this year. He’s now being recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world, and a serious Ballon d’Or contender. 

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 

Mohamed Salah had another exceptional season with 29 Premier League goals and 18 assists, leading Liverpool to their first league title since 2020. While Liverpool didn’t go far in Europe, Salah’s performances in the domestic league were world-class. His consistency, leadership, and attacking numbers make him one of the strongest candidates from the Premier League. 

3. Raphinha (Barcelona) 

Raphinha enjoyed an impressive season with Barcelona, netting 34 goals across all competitions. He was instrumental in their league and cup double and helped the team reach the Champions League semi-finals. Known for his speed, skill, and finishing, Raphinha has quietly built a strong case and is being seen as a serious contender by football experts. 

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

At a very young age, Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm. The Barcelona wonderkid was crucial in the club’s La Liga and Copa del Rey victories this season. His pace, vision, and technical brilliance stood out, and despite his young age, he performed like a seasoned professional. If he wins, Yamal would become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history. 

1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) 

Ousmane Dembélé is currently the top favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. He played a key role in helping PSG win their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, along with Ligue 1 and the French Cup, completing a historic treble. Dembélé scored 35 goals and made 16 assists in all competitions, and also earned the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award. His consistency, creativity, and leadership in big games make him a strong favourite. 

Who Has the Best Chance? 

• Dembélé leads the race due to his Champions League success and individual stats.
• Yamal is a fan-favourite story, with historic potential. 
• Vitinha, Raphinha, Kvaratskhelia are strong underdogs who had amazing seasons. 
• Salah and Mbappé have elite stats, but lack of European silverware might work against them. 

Who Will Win the Ballon d’Or 2025? 

Ousmane Dembélé is a leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season with PSG, where he scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists. He played a key role in their historic treble and was honoured as the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. With both trophies and top performances, Dembélé looks set to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. 

Conclusion 

The 2025 Ballon d’Or will likely go to the player who made the biggest impact on the biggest stage, and that currently looks like Ousmane Dembélé. However, if voters choose to reward youth and breakout success, Lamine Yamal could make history. One thing is certain: this year’s Ballon d’Or will be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. 

Written by Kinjal Walantra