It is quite difficult to determine who the best football player in the world is at any particular time because the game is so competitive and dynamic. After any game, that honor could change based on how well a player performs. It is crucial to provide uniform standards for these evaluations because wildly divergent views based on individual games would result in anarchy and never-ending arguments.
For players who fall into this top group, the emphasis switches to indisputable proof of outstanding form, whether it be in the form of goals, assists, defensive prowess, or general on-field impact. The quality of the opposition encountered and the importance of the contests in which such performances took place are equally significant. Individual genius must ultimately be supported by observable accomplishments; excellent players are frequently distinguished from the best by trophies and team success.
The top ten players in the world as of 2025 are listed here.
10. Bayern Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz 🌩🇪
15 goals and 11 assists in 2024–25. won the DFL Supercup.
After receiving his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2024, Florian Wirtz made a significant impression and appears to be a major player in the discussion for years to come. His performances in the Champions League have been particularly impressive this season, continuing the quality he displayed at the end of the previous campaign.
But compared to their Bundesliga victory the previous season, Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso appear to be less powerful at home. Wirtz could have to put on even more outstanding performances if he wants to further improve his reputation.
9. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) 🏴🁧̠��̠��Ơ��̠��̠��
2024–25: 6 assists, 12 goals.
Cole Palmer is widely regarded as the Premier League’s most impressive player at the moment. Palmer has elevated his game under new boss Enzo Maresca, coinciding with Chelsea’s comeback.
Palmer is expected to receive a second nomination after being included on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. But Chelsea’s exclusion from the Champions League may make it more difficult for him to contend for the top prize this year.
8. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé 🌫🇷
2024–25: 4 assists, 14 goals. won both the Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Even though Kylian Mbappé’s early Real Madrid career hasn’t always lived up to expectations, his brilliance makes him a formidable force. Although it has taken him some time to get used to life in Madrid, his performances in pivotal games show that he has the ability to reach new heights as the season goes on.
Mbappé has made it clear that he wants to win the Ballon d’Or, a prize that is highly regarded in France. He might, however, be eclipsed by a teammate who now appears to be even more essential to Real Madrid’s success.
7. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane 🏴🢧»�̠��Ơ��𠁧�
2024–25: 9 assists, 23 goals.
Could this be the season where Harry Kane finally wins his first trophy? With Kane demonstrating once more that his goal-scoring instincts are still of the highest caliber at age 31, Bayern Munich, under the leadership of Vincent Kompany, is off to a fast start in the Bundesliga.
Kane’s leadership and all-around skill set could draw attention, especially if he leads Bayern to both domestic and European triumph, even though Rodri’s 2024 victory shown that scoring isn’t everything when it comes to Ballon d’Or success.
6. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal 🌪🌸
2024–25: 13 assists, 6 goals.
Lamine Yamal has the ability to change history by becoming the first player to win the Ballon d’Or before turning 21. He is already considered to be among the best football players at the age of 17, and he keeps getting better.
Many La Liga watchers concur that Yamal has been the most impressive player in Spain thus far, even if two of his Barcelona teammates have scored more goals than him. In addition to winning the Kopa Trophy, he may soon receive more recognition.
5. Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala 🌩🇪
2024–25: 9 assists, 16 goals.
Jamal Musiala had a more subdued season last year after leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga championship in 2023. He is the most outstanding player in German football this season, though, as it seems that his outstanding achievements at Euro 2024 have rekindled his form.
Although it has been difficult to share the limelight with Harry Kane, Musiala’s inventiveness and reliability demonstrate his importance to Bayern’s success. He will be a serious candidate for the Ballon d’Or if his present performance results in trophies.
4. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski 🌵🇱
2024–25: 4 assists, 24 goals.
After failing to make the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, many believed Robert Lewandowski’s chances of taking home the coveted honor were ended. But a comeback has been spurred by his reconnection with Hansi Flick in Barcelona, where the 36-year-old is playing like he did in his best days.
Lewandowski’s age is still a consideration, but his recent form has made him an essential member of Barca. His efforts this season may put him back in the running for the greatest individual award in football.
3. Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior 🌧🇷
2024–2025: 10 assists and 14 goals. won both the Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Vinícius Júnior, who placed second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, is resolved to improve this year. The Real Madrid player appears sharper and more determined than ever as he plays with a point to prove.
His outstanding exploits in the first half of the season support his claim, but Real Madrid will need to establish steady play and win significant hardware in 2025 before he can take home the ultimate award.
2. Barcelona’s Raphinha 🌧🇷
2024–25: 10 assists, 20 goals.
This season, Raphinha has undoubtedly been Barcelona’s finest offensive player, and his stats show how effective he is. He is still considerably behind his more well-known teammates, though, so he will need to produce very remarkable numbers in order to get significant notice.
Nevertheless, Raphinha is playing the finest football of his career, and if he keeps up this pace, he might have a good chance of winning the Ballon d’Or—that is, if Barcelona’s overall performance doesn’t deteriorate.
1. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah 🌪🇬
2024–25: 17 assists, 20 goals.
Mohamed Salah is making the most of what might be his last season at Anfield, as his Liverpool contract is slated to expire in the summer of 2025. Salah has returned to his peak under new manager Arne Slot, and the Reds are aiming for Premier League and Champions League triumph.
Salah is 32 years old and has no signs of slowing down. He has a real chance to become the first African to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in 1995 if he can lead Liverpool to victory this season.
