2025 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings: Top 5 Contenders Emerge Ahead of August Nominee Reveal

As the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees on August 7, excitement is steadily building for the sport’s most prestigious individual accolade. The ceremony, set to take place at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22, promises to celebrate excellence across men’s and women’s football, as well as recognize achievements in goalkeeping, youth performance, and goal scoring through the Yashin, Kopa, and Gerd Müller trophies respectively.

With weeks of anticipation leading up to the event, attention has now turned toward the likely frontrunners. From dazzling individual brilliance to trophy-laden campaigns, the 2025 season has delivered standout performances worthy of football’s highest honour.

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Ballon d’Or Selection Process: Prestige and Precision

The Ballon d’Or voting process remains as rigorous as ever. A panel of international journalists—one from each of FIFA’s top 100-ranked countries for the men’s award, and the top 50 for the women’s—will cast their votes. Each journalist will rank their top 10 players, assigning points on a descending scale. The player with the highest point tally will be crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.

Tournaments like the Champions League, UEFA Euro 2024, AFCON, and key domestic leagues will weigh heavily in determining the eventual winner. Although Rodri claimed the award last year following an extraordinary season with Manchester City and Spain, new stars have risen to challenge his reign.

Top 5 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings – Men’s Category (2025)

1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Stats: 35 goals, 15 assists
• Trophies: UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions

Dembélé has finally fulfilled the potential that many had hoped for during his early career. Spearheading PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, the French winger was simply unstoppable throughout the campaign. His directness, vision, and goal contribution in crucial matches—especially during PSG’s UCL knockout stages—elevated him above his peers. With a clean sweep of domestic trophies and European glory, Dembélé currently leads the Ballon d’Or race.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

• Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists
• Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa

At only 17 years old, Yamal has lit up world football with his electric pace and extraordinary football intelligence. The Barcelona prodigy was instrumental in securing a domestic treble, delivering assists and goals in critical moments. Despite falling short in the Nations League final, his impact throughout the season positions him firmly in the conversation. Should he shine at Euro 2024, Yamal could still surpass Dembélé.

3. Raphinha (Barcelona)

• Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
• Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa

Overshadowed by his younger teammate’s rise, Raphinha has nonetheless been Barcelona’s most consistent attacking force. A stunning season of 39 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, coupled with a domestic treble, marks him out as a serious contender. If not for Yamal’s headline-grabbing brilliance, Raphinha could easily be considered Barcelona’s MVP this season.

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists
• Trophies: Premier League

The Egyptian king returned to his dazzling best under Liverpool’s new managerial era, guiding the Reds to the Premier League title. Salah’s influence was central to their campaign, registering elite numbers in both goals and assists. However, Liverpool’s underwhelming European campaign might reduce his chances of clinching the top prize. Still, his domestic achievements keep him firmly in the top five.

5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

• Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists
• Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup

Mbappé’s transition to Real Madrid saw him deliver an avalanche of goals. His 45-goal tally is the highest among the top contenders, but Madrid’s late-season collapse in both La Liga and the Champions League took a toll on his Ballon d’Or hopes. Without major silverware this year, the Frenchman’s bid may hinge on his performance at Euro 2024, where he remains one of the favourites to lead France to glory.

Other Contenders and Key Watchpoints

While the top five have separated themselves, the field remains crowded. Players like Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Vinícius Júnior, and even veterans like Lionel Messi and Harry Kane could still break into the final shortlist, especially with international tournaments still underway.

Performances in the latter stages of Euro 2024 and Copa America could drastically alter the current power rankings. Likewise, the upcoming Olympics may provide a platform for emerging stars to make a late push.

 August Nominee Reveal and September Showdown

With the official nominee list set to be revealed on August 7, football fans across the globe will soon engage in spirited debates over who deserves to take home the coveted golden ball. All roads lead to September 22, when the Théâtre du Châtelet will host football’s finest in a night of celebration and legacy.

Until then, the power rankings offer a glimpse into who’s ahead in the race—and who might yet surprise the world.