Despite PSG’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, Ousmane Dembele still leads the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, thanks to a stellar campaign in both domestic and European competitions. Here’s how the top 19 contenders stack up behind him:
Top 19 Ballon d’Or 2025 Contenders (Updated)
19. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
A breakout €60m signing, Olise became Bayern’s creative engine and impressed at the Club World Cup, proving he belongs at the top level.
18. Vinicius Jr. – Real Madrid
Strong start, but Real Madrid’s poor finish and a quiet Club World Cup hurt his chances of returning to the top 10.
17. Joao Neves – PSG
An all-action midfielder who starred in PSG’s treble run. A red card in the Club World Cup final was a blemish, but his impact remains huge.
16. Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting CP
Europe’s top scorer. His UCL hat-trick vs Man City and relentless form in Portugal put him on the global map.
15. Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSG
A wall in the Champions League, especially during shootouts. The best-performing goalkeeper in 2025, though keepers rarely win Ballon d’Or.
14. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
Turned back the clock under Hansi Flick. Led Barcelona’s domestic treble charge with consistent finishing and leadership.
13. Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Mixed season, but finished strong. His standout performance in the Club World Cup final vs PSG pushed him up the ladder.
12. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Finally got silverware and continued his goal-scoring form. European exits hold him back, but Kane’s consistency at 31 is elite.
11. Pedri – Barcelona
Barcelona’s midfield conductor. Back to full fitness, Pedri controlled games and provided balance all season.
Top 10 Ballon d’Or 2025 Candidates
10. Nuno Mendes – PSG
Explosive at both ends of the pitch. Huge performances against Liverpool and in the Nations League cement his world-class status.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG
The Georgian winger helped both Napoli and PSG win titles. His creativity shone, especially in UCL knockout matches.
8. Achraf Hakimi – PSG
Dominant on the right flank. Scored in each of PSG’s final three UCL matches and impressed again at the Club World Cup.
7. Desire Doue – PSG
Only 19, but already a star. Played a key role in PSG’s cup run and won Young Player of the Tournament at the Club World Cup.
6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Delivered big moments—including a hat-trick vs Man City—but a trophyless season limits his Ballon d’Or hopes this year.
5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
A league winner and back to top form under new management. Lack of UCL success, though, cost him a higher spot.
4. Raphinha – Barcelona
Barcelona’s top forward. Silenced critics with a title-winning season and led their treble charge.
3. Vitinha – PSG
PSG’s midfield maestro. Calm, intelligent, and consistent across competitions. Added solid international showings to complete his résumé.
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
Just 17, but already a game-changer. Dominated in the Champions League and La Liga, with maturity far beyond his years.
1. Ousmane Dembele – PSG
Still the frontrunner. Instrumental in PSG’s Champions League title—goals at Anfield and Emirates, and two assists in the final. Despite fading in the Club World Cup, his campaign remains the most complete.
