Top 10 Ballon d'Or Favorites for 2025
The 2025 Ballon d'Or race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With a mix of rising stars and established icons delivering standout performances, here are the top 10 contenders based on their current form, stats, and influence on their teams.
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Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
At just 17 years old, Yamal has taken the football world by storm. With 11 goals and 17 assists in just 34 appearances this season, he has already won the 2024 Kopa Trophy. His consistency and creativity make him one of the front-runners for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
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Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Dembélé has enjoyed a spectacular season at PSG, scoring 33 goals and assisting 11 more. He has been vital in PSG's Champions League campaign and has rediscovered his best form under Luis Enrique.
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Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
Raphinha has contributed a staggering 32 goals and 22 assists, playing a crucial role in Barcelona's push for a treble. His playmaking ability and goal-scoring prowess have elevated him to elite status this season.
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Salah has been at his consistent best, scoring 33 goals and providing 23 assists. He led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 35 years, and his leadership and clutch performances keep him in the Ballon d'Or spotlight.
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Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
The midfield maestro continues to be a central figure in Barcelona's system. With his precise passing, vision, and calmness under pressure, Pedri's influence goes beyond numbers, earning him praise from legends like Arsène Wenger.
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Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland)
Despite being 36, Lewandowski is still dominating the scoring charts with 35 goals in 40 games. His experience, positioning, and clinical finishing make him a timeless candidate for the award.
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Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
In his first season at Real Madrid, Mbappé has already scored 31 goals. A Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City highlights his big-game pedigree. He remains one of the most feared forwards in the world.
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Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Argentina)
With 22 goals and consistent performances, Martínez has led Inter to the Champions League final and is a key reason behind their Serie A title bid. His work rate and clutch scoring set him apart.
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Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Rice has brought stability and power to Arsenal’s midfield. He’s been essential in their title challenge and deep Champions League run, standing out as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe.
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Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Haaland continues to be a goal machine, netting 29 times in 39 appearances. While his individual numbers remain elite, City’s European performance could determine his Ballon d'Or fate.
Note: This list is based on performances and achievements up to May 2025 and may evolve depending on key matches and tournaments ahead.