The 2024–25 football season is well underway as of March 17, 2025, and the competition for the Ballon d’Or, the game’s highest individual honour, is beginning to take shape. Part of the story is told by goals and assists, but the winner is frequently determined by trophies and memorable experiences. Based on their past performance, potential finish, and potential to attract voters’ attention, here is our assessment of the top ten players in the race. Let’s get started.
10. The Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr.
2024–25 stats: 10 assists, 19 goals
Won Trophies: Intercontinental Cup, UEFA Super Cup
Vinicius Jr. had a point to prove going into this season. The Real Madrid winger promised a response after shockingly finishing second to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, and for a while, he kept his word. His blazing speed and flair have been on display with his 19 goals and 10 assists, illuminating La Liga with flashes of unadulterated genius. He appeared invincible early in the season, a forward who could completely change the course of any match.
But the spark has waned lately. His performance has declined since 2025, coinciding with Real Madrid’s difficulties. He must find that magic touch if he hopes to move up this list or, better yet, win the top honour. He has the opportunity to steal the show because La Liga and the Champions League are still in reach.
9. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez
2024–25 stats: 5 assists, 23 goals
No trophies have been won yet.
Last summer, Atletico Madrid spent €95 million to acquire Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, which was an expensive move. The transfer sparked controversy, as he only managed to score 11 La Liga goals in his first few years in Spain. On closer inspection, however, his 23 goals in all competitions show that he is a striker who is settling in, particularly in cup matches. In Diego Simeone’s setup, his relentless running and astute positioning are beginning to pay off.
He may have hit the ball with both feet during his embarrassing slide in the Champions League penalty shootout against Real Madrid, but that image still sticks in your mind. He’ll want to forget the slip-up. Alvarez must win a trophy, whether it’s the Copa del Rey or a distant La Liga championship, in order to advance to the top Ballon d’Or. The defeat to Barcelona in January didn’t help, but there is still time to improve.
8. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski
2024–25 stats: 5 assists, 35 goals
Won Trophies: España Supercopa
There will be no quiet death for Robert Lewandowski. The 36-year-old Polish striker, who was left off the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, has exploded with 35 goals this season, flourishing under his former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick. His haul has kept Barcelona’s attack afloat, and he is a predator in the penalty area. Those statistics demand notice, and the Supercopa de España is already secured.
The past few weeks, however, indicate that the years may be catching up. Although Lewandowski’s talent for finding the net keeps him in the hunt, younger players like Lamine Yamal generate more gasps. This might be his chance to win the trophy that has eluded him if Barcelona wins additional trophies.
7. Barcelona’s Pedri
2024–25 stats: 5 goals, 7 assists
Won Trophies: España Supercopa
Pedri’s five goals and seven assists don’t make him a superstar, but you can see why he’s here if you watch him play. Under Flick, the 22-year-old Spaniard has overcome the ailments that hindered him and emerged as Barcelona’s midfield powerhouse. The rhythm of the team has changed as a result of his finesse, passing, and boundless endurance.
His next challenge is the Champions League. He has an opportunity to shine on Europe’s greatest stage with a favourable draw, and if he can maintain this form into a deep run, the raw stats won’t stop him. Pedri might be a dark horse for the Golden Ball because of his impact.
6. The Paris Saint-Germain player Ousmane Dembele
Stats for 2024–25: 6 assists, 30 goals
Awards Acquired: Trophée des Champions
From his Dortmund days to his Barcelona bursts, the French winger’s skill was always undeniable; the key was to remain steady. He has already scored 30 goals in the middle of his second season with PSG. His goal at Anfield to defeat Liverpool in the Champions League last 16 was a game-changer, and his quickness and deft finishing have propelled PSG’s dominance in Ligue 1.
Dembele’s comeback might help him win this race, and Luis Enrique’s team appears to be a serious threat in Europe. Whether he can maintain it throughout the spring is the key question.
5. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah
2024–25 stats: 22 assists, 34 goals
No trophies have been won yet.
Mohamed Salah is having a lot of fun. Under Arne Slot, the 32-year-old Egyptian has found another gear as his Liverpool contract nears the end of 2025. For months, he was the man to beat in this competition, hoping to become Africa’s first Ballon d’Or winner since 1985. His 34 goals and 22 assists have the Reds coasting towards the Premier League title.
The wheels then began to tremble. It hurt to lose to PSG in the Champions League, and he vanished in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle. Although he needs a strong finish to seal the deal, Salah is still in the running. The league triumph might not be enough on its own.
4. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane
Statistics for 2024–25: 9 assists, 32 goals
No trophies have been won yet.
Despite his ongoing trophy drought, Harry Kane’s performances at Bayern Munich keep him from falling off this list. With 32 goals, the 31-year-old England captain has led Vincent Kompany’s squad to the Bundesliga championship. In addition to his attacks, he stands out as a complete forward due to his playmaking, which involves diving deep to connect moves.
Rodri’s victory in 2024 demonstrated that trophies, not goals, are what really seal the deal. The success of Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League, where they are in a strong position, will determine Kane’s future. He may have his breakthrough year in 2025 if he wins.
3. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal
2024–25 stats: 13 goals and 16 assists
Won Trophies: España Supercopa
At the age of 17, Lamine Yamal is amazing. This Barcelona winger has the potential to be the first player to win the Ballon d’Or before the age of 21. His bold dribbling and vision make him La Liga’s brightest spark this season, and his 13 goals and 16 assists hardly begin to capture his influence.
Even though Lewandowski and Raphinha score more goals, many supporters maintain that Yamal is the real star of Barcelona’s offence. After winning the Kopa Trophy in 2024, he is rapidly approaching the major prize. If Barcelona’s trophy cupboard expands, he might arrive earlier than expected.
2. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe
2024–25 stats: 5 assists, 31 goals
Won Trophies: Intercontinental Cup, UEFA Super Cup
Although it took him some time to get used to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe is suddenly unstoppable. He led Los Blancos with 31 goals, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in February that screamed star power. This may be the moment for the French forward, who has long yearned for the Ballon d’Or, a desire connected to his country’s football heritage.
He has the ideal platform thanks to Real Madrid’s quest for La Liga and Champions League triumph. Mbappe is performing at his best when it counts most thanks to his speed, skill, and flair for the limelight.
1. Barcelona’s Raphinha
2024–25 stats: 19 assists, 27 goals
Won Trophies: España Supercopa
It’s difficult to dispute Raphinha’s position at the top of this list. The Brazilian has been a vital member of Barcelona’s lethal front line, scoring 27 goals and dishing out 19 assists. Raphinha has quietly emerged as the star thanks to his combination of goals, assists, and unrelenting performance under Hansi Flick, while Yamal and Lewandowski enjoy the publicity. His career’s best football is this one.
However, winning the Ballon d’Or won’t be simple. It won’t be easy for him to overshadow his more well-known comrades in the eyes of the electorate. However, given Barcelona’s pursuit of a treble, his impact and stats position him as the leading candidate for 2025.
