Rodri became the first Spaniard to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or since 1960.
Angry at not taking home the prize, Vinicius Jr. has fallen in the rankings this time around as a result of Real Madrid’s bad luck.
Over the following 12 months, Lamine Yamal could position himself to become the first teen winner.
With Manchester City midfielder Rodri emerging victorious in 2024 ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly over the Ballon d’Or seems to be finished. Given that Messi and Ronaldo are currently playing outside of Europe, Rodri’s victory seems to be the formal start of a new era. The midfielder played a key role in both club and national glory.
Despite being a worthy recipient, the 28-year-old Spaniard’s chances of successfully defending his title are slim due to an ACL injury he sustained early in the 2024–25 season. This implies that unless there is a miraculous comeback and some outstanding achievements, 2025 will see the arrival of a new champion.
Football players’ performance over the course of a calendar year used to determine the renowned individual award. This time, though, the votes are determined by the season’s outcomes for the third time in the award’s history. In light of this, we have compiled a list of 20 possible 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees and ranked them according to their performance thus far before this October’s ceremony.
Ranking criteria
The following has helped us select the order:
Goals scored
Aids
Clean sheets (for those who are defensive)
Trophies obtained/contested for (anticipated to)
Significant events during the 2024–2025 season Overall form Ballon d’Or Power Rankings
Ranking
Participant
The Club
The nation
Position
1.
Dembele, Ousmane
Paris Saint-Germain
The French
Go ahead
2.
Yamal, Lamine
Barcelona.
Spain.
Go ahead
3.
The Raphinha
Barcelona.
Brazil.
Go ahead
4.
Salah, Mohamed
Liverpool.
Egypt.
Go ahead
5.
Want Doue
Paris Saint-Germain
The French
Go ahead
6.
The Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Paris Saint-Germain
The Georgian
Go ahead
7.
Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain
Portugal.
The midfielder
8.
Mbappe, Kylian
Real Madrid.
The French
Go ahead
9.
Martinez Lautaro
Milan, Inter
Argentina.
Go ahead
10.
“Pedri”
Barcelona.
Spain.
The midfielder
11.
Hakimi, Achraf
Paris Saint-Germain
Morocco.
Defender
12.
Donnarumma Gianluigi
Paris Saint-Germain
Italy.
The goalie
13.
Kane Harry
Bayern Munich
The English
Go ahead
14.
Lewandowski Robert
Barcelona.
Poland.
Go ahead
15.
Jr. Vinicius
Real Madrid.
Brazil.
Go ahead
16.
Bastoni Alessandro
Milan, Inter
Italy.
Defender
17.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool.
Netherlands
Defender
18.
Palmer Cole
Chelsea.
The English
Go ahead
19.
Saka Bukayo.
Arsenal
The English
Go ahead
Twenty.
Rice Declan
Arsenal
The English
The midfielder
10Nuno Mendes
Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal
Nuno Mendes has unexpectedly thrown himself into the running for the Ballon d’Or after winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in eight incredible days. Is there currently a better left-back in the world of football? The 22-year-old’s stellar 2024–25 season culminated in a masterclass during Portugal’s victory against Spain in the Nations League.
This season, every defense has had difficulty keeping Lamine Yamal in check, but Mendes demonstrated how to accomplish it at the Allianz Arena. According to the Daily Post, Mendes told reporters, “It was a clash [with Yamal] like many others I have had during the season.” “Today I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does best, but I have faced up to many great players, very technically skilled players who can make a difference.” The squad benefited from this, and I’m glad I contributed to the team’s trophy victory.
PSG’s Nuno Mendes in 2024–2025
Games
46
Objectives
6.
Helps
6.
9Pedri
Barcelona & Spain
There isn’t a single positive word, phrase, or sentence that would feel like an overstatement when it comes to Pedri, one of the best La Masia products in recent years, regardless of whether you think he’s the best midfielder in the world, the modern-day Xavi and Andres Iniesta, or just that he deserves football’s highest individual honors.
As the silent motor that keeps Hansi Flick’s winning machine running smoothly, he may not be the one making headlines with goals and assists, but he is the one moving the cogs. After controlling Real Madrid’s midfield in the Copa del Rey final, his manager’s assertion that he is unmatched by other middlemen in football can’t be far from the truth. Due to his rapid ascent, the 2021 Golden Boy should be mentioned frequently in Ballon d’Or discussions, proving that voters now consider more than simply goal scorers.
Barcelona’s Pedri in 2024–2025
Games
59
Objectives
6.
Helps
8.
9Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan & Argentina
Lionel Messi once predicted that Lautaro Martinez, the star player for Inter Milan, would win the Ballon d’Or last summer. The team defeated tournament favorites Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate to get to their second Champions League final in three years.
The 27-year-old came to life at the perfect time, amassing 29 goal involvements in 48 games across all competitions, while those forecasts waned following a sluggish start to the season. Given that Martinez was playing at his best, Simone Inzaghi traveled to Munich later this month with a lot of confidence. Martinez would have undoubtedly become a strong candidate for football’s most coveted individual award if Inter had won their first European championship since 2010. Needless to say, that never happened.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez in 2024–2025
Games
49
Objectives
22
Helps
7.
8Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid & France
It seems inevitable that Kylian Mbappe will stand atop the podium and lift the renowned golden ball at some time during his career. The French forward, who is currently in his mid-20s, is getting closer to being the greatest football player in the world. He has been hailed as Messi and Ronaldo’s heir. He stands a better chance of winning the Ballon d’Or at Real Madrid than he had at Paris Saint-Germain, even though they say they feel humiliated by France Football.
Despite a Clasico hat-trick, his prospects of winning the trophy have significantly decreased in recent weeks due to the fact that he is not the only superstar in the Spanish capital vying for it, and La Liga has slipped away and the Champions League is no longer an option. His form, however, indicates that he has all the tools necessary to be the main man at the Bernabeu for many years to come. He immediately appears more comfortable in the center-forward position than he did at the beginning of the season, demonstrating that the 2018 World Cup winner has no trouble being adaptable. He recently won the European Golden Shoe award as well.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in 2024–2025
Games
55
Objectives
42
Helps
4.
7Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal
Vitinha, the star player on PSG’s Champions League-winning team, is content to be somewhat hidden. Aside from the team’s goal-scoring prowess, the Portuguese midfielder would be essential to their success. His ability to be nimble in confined places makes him a metronomic presence at the center of the action, allowing his colleagues to flourish elsewhere.
That’s it: without Vitinha, PSG might not be nearly as well-oiled as they are with him in the middle. His transformation from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ afterthought to one of the world’s best midfielders has been incredible, but his perseverance and hard work have made up for his setbacks. Vitinha for PSG in 2024–2025 52 Goals 7 Assists 3
6Kvhicha Kvaratskhelia
Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia
PSG entered the January transfer window with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as their target, demonstrating their determination to earn the greatest honors available. The Georgian winger was a fixture on the Napoli flank and was coveted by teams throughout Europe, but he was signed by an aspirational PSG team.
He is not just incredibly quick, but what sets him apart from the others is what he can do with the ball at that speed. Do you want a winger who can beat every defense on the planet in a foot sprint, regardless of foot? You need look no farther than Kvaratskhelia, who was previously connected to a transfer to Arsenal, a Premier League team.
PSG’s Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2024–2025
Games
25
Objectives
7.
Helps
6.
5Desire Doue
Paris Saint-Germain & France
Bow down, Desire Doue! In case there were any skepticism regarding his extraordinary ability (which there shouldn’t have been!), his performance at the Champions League final was breathtaking. Before being removed, he scored two goals and provided an assist, but it wasn’t the first time he was a persistent threat.
He was a menace all season long, even when his Ligue 1 employers were proclaimed the French champions. Luis Enrique knew he could always count on Doue’s youthful genius, who attracted the attention of both the globe and PSG executives during his tenure at Rennes, to score a ton of goals and leave defenders in the dust. An exceptional talent with the potential to grow tenfold.
PSG’s desired Doue for 2024–2025
Games
53
Objectives
13.
Helps
15.
In the last moments of the 2022–2023 season, Jamal Musiala led Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga victory, but like his teammates, he had a more subdued campaign after that. However, the incredible young player, who is considered to be among the world’s best dribblers, is virtually unstoppable when he is at the races.
Defenders detest seeing him charge at them because his rangy frame makes it easy for him to hold onto the ball. You can bet your bottom dollar that Musiala, 22, will be crowned the leading star of the beautiful game as long as Vincent Kompany and his team continue to challenge and win trophies.
In 2024–2025, Jamal Musiala will play for Bayern Munich.
Games
37
Objectives
17
Helps
7.
9 Ousmane Dembele France & Paris Saint-Germain
Is it not fair to state that Ousmane Dembele’s past few years have been extremely hectic? The Frenchman, who attracted a lot of attention while playing for Borussia Dortmund, did not succeed at Barcelona. However, his move from Spain to Paris Saint-Germain has paid off, and he is now firmly in the running for this year’s much-coveted Ballon d’Or award.
Additionally, he has a solid reputation because Dembele is the main leader of Luis Enrique’s PSG, which is playing at full capacity, and his goal total speaks for itself. The winger-turned-striker has scored 29 goals and provided six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. As you can see from his rapid goals against Liverpool, they have also been significant goals.
PSG’s Ousmane Dembele in 2024–2025
Games
36
Objectives
29
Helps
6.
8 Jude Bellingham
England and Real Madrid
When Jude Bellingham announced that he was leaving Borussia Dortmund for the Spanish top flight, few supporters anticipated the impact he would have on Real Madrid’s ambitions. However, the lanky midfielder, a 40-cap, six-goal England international, scored an impressive 23 goals and added 13 assists in all competitions.
The Stourbridge-born star has been equally important in a less attacking role, even though his goal contributions to Carlo Ancelotti’s goals dried up a little in the new season. He is now responsible for managing the Madrid-based engine room alongside players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. Interestingly, his dubious disciplinary record is maybe the largest obstacle to his continued success rather than his skill.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham in 2024–2025
Games
37
Objectives
11.
Helps
11.
7.
Lewandowski, Robert
Poland and Barcelona
Since the typically talismanic goalscorer was not performing to the level that supporters had been accustomed to, there were concerns that Robert Lewandowski was starting a gradual decline last season. The adage “father time catches up with everyone” seemed to apply to the former Bayern Munich player as well.
But Hansi Flick’s arrival at Camp Nou has given the former Bayern Munich striker new life, and he is scoring goals like he is in his prime once more. The Polish forward, who has 34 goals and three assists in 39 games, may be seeking retribution as he attempts to win the Ballon d’Or award that was denied to him in 2020.
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in 2024–2025
Games
39
Objectives
34
Helps
3.
6 Harry Kane, England & Bayern Munich
After his failures with his country, England, and his Bundesliga employers, Bayern Munich, over the past 12 months, Harry Kane is trophy-hungry and will be motivated by silverware this season. Even while it might be his main objective, his contribution to its accomplishment could get him a lot of praise on his own.
The game is all about goals, and Kane is an expert at scoring them. The London-born talisman, who is considered one of England’s greatest attackers ever, could not be stopped if he can continue his excellent play and bring home trophies—and perhaps even a European one—to the Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane in 2024–2025 for Bayern Munich
Games
36
Objectives
32
Helps
11.
5 Lamine Yamal Spain & Barcelona
Indeed, there has never been a young winner of the Ballon d’Or before, and Lamine Yamal still has a few more years to accomplish this. The question of whether he can actually succeed is up in the air if he keeps up his amazing upward trajectory.
Yamal exemplifies the adage “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough” because he has already put one of the biggest clubs in Europe on his back since he was 15 and helped lead his nation to a European Championship at 16. Although he has already smashed a number of records, might this be his best? He currently has every reason to think he can succeed. According to his manager Hansi Flick, there is currently just one greater player in the world of football.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in 2024–2025
Games
37
Objectives
Twelve
Helps
17
4 Vinicius Junior, Brazil & Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. could have to wait another year to become the first Brazilian since Kaka to win the coveted trophy after he declined to attend the 2024 Ballon d’Or presentation after learning he wouldn’t be the winner. Understandingably, the winger was taken aback by the fact that he lost the last time around. He was the favourite even on the day of the gala, after all.
Though it wasn’t intended for Vinicius, he might very well be among the front-runners when all of football’s top players get together in their finest attire if he can have another season that is comparable to or better than what he has done in the last two years. As of this writing, he has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists for a chaotic Los Blancos team that is still struggling to establish itself at a crucial point in the season.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in 2024–2025
Games
38
Objectives
18
Helps
11.
3. Mohamed Salah Egypt & Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s impact at Liverpool since moving to Anfield is exemplified by his incredible return of 44 goal contributions in his first 29 Premier League games. The Egyptian King is still among the top players in the Premier League, even if he is nearing the end of his career and is working under a new manager for the first time since moving to Merseyside.
As he ages, he actually appears to be improving. History has demonstrated that when it comes to determining who receives particular awards, statistical data is becoming increasingly significant. Salah is so undoubtedly a serious early candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, particularly if Liverpool wins the Premier League at Slot’s first attempt. However, the experienced winger’s hopes are hampered by the Reds’ early Champions League exit.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in 2024–2025
Games
42
Objectives
32
Helps
22
2 Barcelona & Brazil & Raphinha
Raphinha, who was once the face of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United, has silenced his detractors with his combination of skill and firepower, which is too much for defenders in the top division of Spain and, moreover, at the top table of Europe, where Hansi Flick and company are causing problems for every opposition defence. When one of the biggest teams in the world, Barcelona, paid for the Brazilian, eyebrows were undoubtedly raised.
But with Raphinha, 28, putting up tremendous stats over 2024–2025 (27 goals and 19 assists in 41 games), Flick and his team have had the last laugh. There is still some doubt as to whether his strength in the closing third can be sustained, but if Blaugrana adds more trophies to their collection, who can argue against it?
Barcelona’s Raphinha in 2024–2025
Games
41
Objectives
27
Helps
19.
1 Kylian Mbappe, France & Real Madrid
It seems certain that Kylian Mbappe will take the renowned golden ball from the top of the podium at some point in his career. The French forward, who is currently in his mid-20s, is getting closer to being the greatest football player in the world. He has been hailed as Messi and Ronaldo’s heir. He stands a better chance of winning the Ballon d’Or at Real Madrid than he had at Paris Saint-Germain, even though they say they feel humiliated by France Football.
His recent form indicates that he has everything he needs to become the main man at the Bernabeu. He already appears more comfortable in the center-forward position than he did before the year began, proving that adaptability is not an issue for the 2018 World Cup winner. The only problem at this point is that he is not the only superstar in the Spanish capital hoping to win the award.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in 2024–2025
Games
42
Objectives
28
Helps
4.
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