Ballon D'or 2025 Ranking: Top 10 Golden Ball Contenders (August Rankings!)

The Ballon d’Or is undoubtedly the most prestigious individual honour in football. While for some, the expectations were not met, for a lot of football fans, the authorities have crowned the rightful winner in 2024. The evening was full of football shenanigans, from teams refusing to attend the ceremony to players raising their voices about what they believed. Here, we attempt to look at the Ballon d’Or 2025 rankings based on performances in the current season.

While the individual brilliance has already been awarded to one of the best players from last season, due to the season-long injury, Rodri is less likely to defend his crown. Nonetheless, there are new contenders in line to get their hands on the accolade, such as the likes of Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe, who are a few big names on the list. As the top-flight football season comes to a close, the world will witness a new Ballon d’Or winner on September 22, 2025, in Paris. So, what do the Ballon d’Or 2025 rankings top 10 look like? In this post, we will have a closer look at it.

Ballon D’or 2025 Power Rankings (Updated List)

The Ballon d’Or 2025 race is heating up as the race is nearing to finish line. The event is set to take place in September, but still, this time, people are unable to find a clear winner before the event. We at Sportsdunia tried to give a glimpse of what is going to happen at the Gala. The table below shows the Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking based on stats and fans’ sentiments as well.

Criteria Behind Ballon d’Or Ranking 2025

The table below explains the ranking criteria used for listing the 2025 Ballon d’Or power rankings. These factors evaluate players based on their individual and team achievements throughout the season. After analyzing the key stats and figures, we were able to curate the Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings.

Note: Data for above mentioned metrics are fetched from reliable sources on the internet like - Transfrmarkt, Fbref and Sportsdunia

Ballon d’Or 2025 Rankings Top 10

Now that we’ve explained how the top 10 best players in the Ballon d’Or 2025 rankings were evaluated using our ranking factors, it’s time to explore what these players achieved to distinguish themselves in the Ballon d’Or 2025 rankings this year.

10. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona & La Liga)

Our Ballon d'Or 2025 power rankings start with the veteran Polish captain taking up tenth place on our list. The Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski had a terrific last season, scoring a staggering 42 goals and three assists in 52 games. Do we really need a reason why Robert Lewandowski should not be a strong contender? The last time he was in the Ballon d’Or race, he was bested by Messi to be the crowned winner.

After a tough beginning under Xavi at the club, the Polish international found his form back under Hansi Flick. Those still doubting his place on our list mustn't have seen the performance against Los Blancos. His recent performance during friendly games, where he continued to add more goals to his name, might even push him further up on our list of the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking.

9. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid & La Liga)

Well, it's surprising to see the last year's runner-up ranking so low on our list. Right? Many had high expectations that he would go beyond what he showed last season, but things didn't go as he expected. The Brazilian international Vinicius Junior was seen without his usual flair while going forward, and no one knows why.

Even after all this, he still managed to rack up 22 goals and 19 assists in 56 appearances for the 15-time UEFA Champions League winner Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger managed to pull a 7.34 average rating throughout the recently concluded 2024/25 season. His chance of getting his hands on this trophy looks quite bleak at the moment.

8. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & La Liga)

The English midfielder Jude Bellingham keeps getting better each season. In the 2024-25 season, he has 15 assists and 15 goals. There’s a reason why the Madrid fans hail him as one of the best players in the world at just 21. The changed role, which made him do some defensive duties too, impacted his goal tally; otherwise player was capable of entering the top 5 of the Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking.

The 21-year-old is the dominant figure in the midfield; his toughness to fight for the ball, phenomenal work rate, coupled with an eye for scoring goals, is what makes him a useful cog for the defending La Liga and European champions. Moreover, the midfielder has bonded well with the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius.

7. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & Bundesliga)

While the Bavarians had struggled in the initial phase of the domestic league, they managed to win the league at last. Harry Kane has delivered an expected performance for FC Bayern Munich. Where fans thought he would bring the ‘Trophy Curse” with him, he made sure that he stood up in important matches for his team and finally won his first major trophy with Bayern Munich.

The 31-year-old last year claimed the Bundesliga Golden Boot last season. This term, the striker racked up goals for fun in the top German division, moving towards his second successive golden boot. The English striker has continued his goal-scoring streak in the ongoing Club World Cup, where he has scored 3 goals and 1 assist in total. However, his chances to climb the Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings seem nonexistent.

6. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid & La Liga)

The Mbappe-Real Madrid transfer saga finally ended in the summer of 2024. When the Frenchman joined Los Blancos, it raised eyebrows about how Ancelotti would manage with two world-class left-wingers on the same team. The French striker Kylian Mbappe was welcomed by the UEFA Super Cup triumph. The Frenchman has a goal contribution of 48, making him the only protagonist for Real Madrid in our 2025 Ballon d’Or power rankings.

However, the Frenchman may increase his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or by winning the Club World Cup, where he has only 1 appearance for Los Blancos as of now due to injury, but it’s quite clear that he won’t be winning the prestigious award this time. The player has the highest rating among Madrid players, which shows his performance despite an Unfortunate season.

5. Raphinha (Barcelona & La Liga)

If there is an example of the right mindset guiding you to the right path, it is the Brazilian winger Raphinha. Ever since the days of Leeds, he has shown to have a strong character and principles. On his arrival at Barcelona, the former Leeds attacker initially struggled a little with Xavi Ball, but under Hansi Flick and has been on fire.

He has made the Spanish pundits rethink the discussion for the best Winger in the League. He had 34 goals and 25 assists in the recently concluded season. The Brazilian played his best football, and if we speak about momentum, he might spoil a lot of players’ parties in the Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking by emerging as a top candidate. Deco, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, has included the Brazilian in his 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking.

4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & La Liga)

At number 4 in our Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings, we have Lamine Yamal. Crowned champion for the Kopa trophy this year, the Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal had a breakout season. The La Masia sensation already had outlets talking before the Euros began and after the 2024 European Championship success. His exceptional performance during the UEFA Champions League knockout games, as well as the UEFA Nations League, where Spain reached the final, is what sets him apart from his competitors.

He has 18 goals and 25 assists in the 2024-25 season. From smooth movements to amazing agility, he has everything to be better and better as time passes. And with such a strong team and coach behind him, not only is he the frontrunner for this year, but also for years to come if he continues to perform like this. He has already won 2 La Liga trophies at 17 and completed the domestic treble at such a young age.

3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Premier League)

Nobody knows why the Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah was not among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2024 rankings. It would be a disaster for the authorities if someone wanted to argue this with statistics. The Egyptian king has already netted 34 goals and 23 assists in the recently concluded season, leading Liverpool to the top of the Premier League. Mohamed Salah has also won the PFA award for the second time, which made him go shoulder to shoulder with Thierry Henry.

The 33-year-old has proven to be decisive in the important league. The last time the trophy was won by an African was back in 1995 when George Weah was crowned. Will history be written again in 2025? According to our 2025 Ballon d’Or power rankings, maybe. But with the recent EFL Cup final loss and Champions League heartbreak, his chances look dicey.

2. Vitinha (PSG & Ligue 1)

At number 2 in our list of Ballon d’Or ranking 2025, we have Vitinha. Do we have to talk about his goal contribution or his insane game-reading ability? The Portuguese had been unreal since the arrival of Luis Enrique at the club. This season, Paris Saint-Germain has defied all odds and has finally got its hands on the UEFA Champions League trophy, which the club desired the most for so long. But the limelight was always on Dembele, Desire Doue and Joao Neves, but it was the Portuguese midfielder Vitinha who was silently working in the field.

With PSG winning the league, domestic cups, as well as the UEFA Champions League, he had a terrific season. But what truly made the difference is the UEFA Nations League final victory against Spain recently. Vitinha has carried his ‘A’ form into the Club World Cup, where his vision mixed with skills is proving to be pivotal in PSG’s run. Additionally, his UEFA Super Cup win increases his chances of finishing in the top 3 at the Prestigious Gala.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG & Ligue 1)

The arrival of Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain has changed things for the better for the players and the club. Be it discipline or passion, the club has been very different this season. Among the warriors, the French winger Ousmane Dembele has been leading the team by example with his extraordinary performances for the Parisians. The Parisian has completed the Quadruple this season, winning two domestic titles and one European trophy.

The French International has bagged 35 goals and provided 16 assists so far in the season, which includes the FIFA Club World Cup, including two sensational hat-tricks in the Champions League and Ligue 1. Before the Parisian side moved to the USA for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, Luis Enrique, the current coach, backed Dembele and said that “Dembele deserves it”. Talking about Dembele’s form in the CWC, he has yet to contribute. The recent UEFA Super Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur almost sealed the Ballon d'Or for the quintuple winner Ousmane Dembele.

Ballon D’or 2025 Ranking Honorary Mentions

The Ballon d’Or 2025 honorary mentions highlight players with outstanding performances in the 2024–25 season, recognised for their contributions despite not topping the final rankings of the Ballon d’Or ranking 2025.

Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2025

This time Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is set to take place on 22nd September 2025. If you have read our article so far, chances are high that you are excited or interested in watching the Ballon d’Or ceremony. No worries, we’ve got you covered. No matter which region you belong we have curated a list of broadcasters who stream the Ballon d’Or Ceremony.

Ballon d'Or 2025 Nominees

In the recent turn of events, the French Football has finally announced the much-anticipated list of the 30 best men's players for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d'Or accolade. The Ballon d'Or 2025 Nominees Announced include the PSG standout and one of the best players from last season, Ousamane Dembele, Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, La Liga 2024-25 season top scorer Kylian Mbappe, Last year's runner-up Vinicius Jr, Liverpool talisman and English champion Mohamed Salah and more high profile names are in contention for 2025 edition of the French Golden ball award. The following are thirty nominations that are picked and given in the table below: