Ballon d’Or 2025: Who Deserves the Crown?

The 2025 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be one of the most hotly debated editions in recent memory. With so many standout seasons and breakout campaigns, the race for football’s most prestigious individual honour is wide open. As the football world awaits the ceremony on Monday, 22 September at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, let’s explore the top contenders aiming to etch their names in football history.

Ousmane Dembélé has been the heartbeat of Paris Saint-Germain’s treble-winning season. He’s clocked an incredible 33 goals in 49 appearances this season. With the Champions League finally secured, the electric winger was instrumental in PSG’s European run, delivering match-winning performances and moments of individual brilliance. His dribbling, pace and final-third decision-making were near untouchable this season. Add to that his domestic dominance in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, and you have a player who checks every Ballon d’Or box: trophies, talent, and timing.

At just 18, Lamine Yamal has defied expectations and carved out a legitimate shot at football’s biggest prize. He’s managed to secure 18 goals in 55 appearances this season. Barcelona’s youngest star has not only impressed in La Liga, but has also delivered standout performances on the international stage at Euro 2024. His pace, creativity and football IQ are beyond his years, and a Ballon d’Or win would make him the youngest player in history to claim the title. While age is just a number, Yamal’s talent has the footballing world—and Ballon d’Or voters—paying serious attention.

Often overshadowed by flashier names, Vitinha has quietly built an irresistible Ballon d’Or case. He’s put away a neat 8 goals across all competitions this season. The Portuguese maestro was central to PSG’s midfield, linking defence to attack with tireless energy and unmatched precision. His influence in both Ligue 1 and Champions League fixtures has made him a fan favourite in Paris. With many of PSG’s star names rotating throughout the season, Vitinha’s consistency stood out—highlighting his reliability and leadership under pressure.

Few players in the modern era can boast two league titles in one season. Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia began 2024/25 with Napoli, but his mid-season move to PSG saw him add even more silverware to his already glittering year. He’s done a tidy job of putting away 9 goals in 31 appearances in the past season. He played a vital role in PSG’s Champions League triumph, while Napoli managed to win Serie A in his absence, granting him a rare dual-title claim. Dynamic, direct, and decisive—Kvara’s contributions across two clubs and multiple competitions make him one of the most compelling candidates this year.

Barcelona’s Pedri continues to evolve into one of the most complete midfielders in world football. This season, he was central to the Catalan club’s La Liga and Copa del Rey double. From dictating tempo to providing decisive goals and assists, Pedri has done it all. He’s secured an impressive 6 goals across Copa del Rey and La Liga. His standout moment came in the Copa final against Real Madrid, where he orchestrated play and dominated midfield in a high-pressure match. With six goals and eight assists in 59 matches, Pedri combines consistency with flair—and could be in line to make it back-to-back Ballon d’Or wins for midfielders.

Though Liverpool fell short in Europe, Mohamed Salah was again at the top of his game domestically. His performances in the Premier League were instrumental in Liverpool’s title run, and he was rightly named the league’s Player of the Season. He’s had an impressive run across EPL, FA Cup and Champions League, scoring a total of 34 goals in the past season. His critics may point to his lack of goals in the Champions League quarter-finals, but Salah’s overall impact, goal tally, and leadership throughout the season cannot be ignored. He remains one of the most complete forwards in the game.

Cole Palmer’s emergence this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The former Manchester City academy product has become Chelsea’s go-to man, leading them to a Club World Cup title where he was named Player of the Tournament. He’s scored a stellar 18 goals across all competitions this season. His rise from prospect to playmaker has been meteoric. Palmer’s vision, technical skill and goals in big matches have turned heads across Europe, and many believe this is just the beginning of a truly special career. Could the Ballon d’Or be his breakout coronation?

While Barcelona’s success this season was a team effort, Raphinha added a spark to their attack that few could replicate. With goals, assists, and relentless work rate, he was a standout player in Hansi Flick’s side that clinched a Spanish domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Super Cup). He’s achieved something incredible, securing 34 goals across them all in the past season. Though his Champions League campaign was less impactful, Raphinha’s form in Spain was electric—making him a dark horse in the Ballon d’Or race.

In a season full of attacking flair, Nuno Mendes has brought balance with his sheer defensive dominance. In his short Ligue 1 season, he’s already secured a goal and 3 assists. The PSG left-back was sensational in the Champions League final, keeping the flank locked down while also contributing going forward. He added the Nations League title to his trophy cabinet, capping off a year where he was arguably the best in his position. Full-backs rarely win the Ballon d’Or, but Mendes is making a case for changing that.

Despite being La Liga’s top scorer in his first season at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or stock has taken a hit due to his lack of silverware. In the past year, he’s secured an epic 44 goals, making him one of the top scorers in the world. Madrid fell short in the Champions League and the Club World Cup, and in a year filled with elite performances elsewhere, goals alone might not be enough. Still, Mbappé’s brilliance is undeniable, and his presence in the top 10 remains justified.

• Date: Monday, 22 September 2025
  

• Venue: Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France
  

Alongside the Ballon d’Or, fans can look forward to:

• Kopa Trophy – Best young player
  

• Yashin Trophy – Best goalkeeper
  

• Gerd Müller Trophy – Top scorer
  

• Johan Cruyff Trophy – Best coach
  

• Sócrates Award – For positive social impact in sport

This year’s Ballon d’Or isn’t just about who was best—it’s about who defined the season. Will it be the teenage sensation Yamal? The PSG heroes Dembélé, Mendes or Vitinha? Or a midfield maestro like Pedri? No matter who lifts the trophy in Paris this September, one thing is certain: the future of football is burning bright.