Final 2025 Ballon d’Or power rankings: Ousmane Dembele leads chase with Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha in contention ahead of Paris ceremony

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed in Paris tonight, with football superstars from PSG, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid competing for the game’s most prestigious individual prize.

Last year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri ended the Messi-Ronaldo era of dominance—so who will take the crown this time?

Here are the final power rankings before the big reveal.

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10. DESIRE DOUE

The teenager stunned with two goals and an assist in the Champions League final against Inter, showing maturity beyond his years.

Although that performance boosted his profile, the campaign as a whole didn’t quite elevate him to genuine contention. Doue remains a clear favourite for the Golden Boy award instead.

9. PEDRI

Barcelona’s midfield maestro returned to his best in 2024-25, earning strong backing from teammates like Gavi.

Pedri’s consistency was undeniable, but after Rodri’s shock win last year, another midfielder triumph seems unlikely—especially with PSG’s Vitinha presenting a stronger case.

8. COLE PALMER

Palmer began the season brilliantly, though Chelsea’s league struggles slowed his momentum. He shone brightest in the Club World Cup final, scoring twice and assisting once in a 3-0 victory over PSG. Still, with that success fading from voters’ minds, Palmer is unlikely to crack the top five despite his nomination.

7. KYLIAN MBAPPE

Mbappe’s first season at Real Madrid was trophyless, undermining his Ballon d’Or bid despite his reputation as the world’s most gifted forward.

He did win the European Golden Shoe, but falling short in La Liga and the Champions League keeps him outside genuine contention.

6. KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA

The Georgian star enjoyed another glittering season with PSG, collecting league and Champions League medals while adding his flair in the final against Inter.

Though not the standout in that dominant display, his unique style and influence ensured a top-10 spot.

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5. RAPHINHA

The Brazilian came agonisingly close to becoming the frontrunner, but missed chances in Barcelona’s Champions League semi against Inter proved costly.

He equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for European goal contributions in a season and lifted a domestic double, but narrowly missed a shot at the Ballon d’Or podium.

4. VITINHA

Part of PSG’s flawless midfield unit, Vitinha delivered standout displays throughout the season, capped by excellence in the Nations League.

His role in the team’s success was immense, though PSG’s collective brilliance slightly overshadowed individual recognition.

3. MOHAMED SALAH

Liverpool’s talisman led all of Europe in combined goals and assists, driving his side to a Premier League title.

However, a dip in form at season’s end hurt his chances, with just two goals and an assist in his last 10 games. Despite this, Salah remains a strong podium candidate after another remarkable year.

2. LAMINE YAMAL

The 17-year-old wonderkid lit up Barcelona’s season with sensational performances in decisive matches, including goals against Real Madrid and in the Catalan derby title decider.

While his numbers don’t yet rival Salah’s, Yamal’s impact, artistry, and WhoScored rating as Europe’s best player underline his meteoric rise. He is tipped to soon become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner.

1. OUSMANE DEMBELE

PSG’s explosive winger leads the final rankings thanks to a dominant mid-season spell that transformed PSG’s campaign.

He produced crucial goals against Arsenal and Liverpool en route to PSG’s first-ever Champions League title.

While his form dipped late in the year and PSG’s collective strength might work against him, Dembele remains the favourite heading into tonight’s ceremony.

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