As the 2024–25 season officially came to a conclusion following Chelsea’s stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, all eyes are now on the Ballon d’Or 2025.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual award presented by France Football to the most outstanding footballer in a given year.
As in previous editions, the 2025 award has generated considerable excitement among football lovers about who should win one of the most coveted individual prizes in the sport.
With the 30-man nomination list set to be released next month, the following five players are considered the frontrunners to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or:
Ousmane Dembele
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé is widely regarded as the favourite to clinch the prestigious individual honour following an incredible campaign with the Parisians. And it’s a dream Dembele wants to actualise. He won an unprecedented quadruple and finished as a runner-up in the Club World Cup with PSG, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists across all competitions.
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The 28-year-old claimed the Ligue 1 Golden Boot and Player of the Season award, along with the UEFA Champions League Best Player accolade.
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is viewed as Dembélé’s closest challenger in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
The youngster played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic success, helping the club secure a La Liga and Copa del Rey double, including knocking out Real Madrid. He also contributed to Spain finishing as runners-up in the UEFA Nations League. His tally of 18 goals and 25 assists in all competitions underscores his importance to the Blaugrana’s triumphant 2024–25 campaign.
Raphinha
Yamal’s teammate Raphinha is also a strong contender for this year’s award, having been equally instrumental in Barcelona’s stellar season. He notched 34 goals and 25 assists, finishing as the joint-top scorer in the Champions League.
The 28-year-old’s 21 goal contributions in Europe’s elite competition (13 goals and eight assists) matched the all-time record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2013–14 season — 17 goals and four assists.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is also in the mix for the Ballon d’Or following a record-breaking season with the Reds.
The 33-year-old Egyptian international was crucial to Liverpool’s triumph in securing a record-equalling 20th top-flight league title. Salah netted 34 goals and delivered 23 assists in all competitions.
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The former Chelsea man also scooped the Premier League Golden Boot, the Playmaker Award, the Premier League Player of the Season, and the FWA Footballer of the Year. His 29 goals and 18 assists set a new record for most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season.
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé enjoyed a fantastic debut season in Spain and is another name being strongly touted for the Ballon d’Or.
Although the French star began the campaign slowly, he finished in spectacular form, topping the La Liga scoring chart with 31 goals — enough to claim the European Golden Shoe ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s enigmatic striker Viktor Gyökeres.
By Habeeb Kuranga
