The Ballon d’Or Football’s most sought after individual award is always worth discussing, and 2025 is looking like one of the most compelling competitions in years. With the Messi Ronaldo era now over, the new generation of stars is making themselves heard. So who are the 5 top Ballon d’Or contenders of 2025? Let’s take a look and see whose making headlines this season.
A New Chapter in Football History
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have controlled the Ballon d’Or for more than a decade, but new heroes must step up now. The 2025 award will be a clash between the modern day superstars and new fresh young blood who led their teams through a Ups and downs campaign. The ceremony will take place on September 22, 2025, and as such every single second between now and then counts.
The Top 5 Ballon d’Or Contenders for 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of the leading candidates, what they’ve achieved this season, and why they deserve your attention.
| Rank | Player | Club | 2024/25 Stats | Highlights & Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain | 33 goals, 12 assists | Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, UCL finalist |
| 2 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 22 goals, 15 assists | La Liga & Copa del Rey winner, UCL semifinalist |
| 3 | Raphinha | Barcelona | 19 goals, 13 assists | Key player in domestic double, UCL semifinalist |
| 4 | Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan | 29 goals, 8 assists | Serie A champion, UCL finalist |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 28 goals, 18 assists | Premier League champion |
1. Ousmane Dembélé: The Comeback King
Someone three years back told you that Dembélé would be the Ballon d’Or tip, and they’d have been raised an eyebrow. Here we are, nonetheless. At PSG, he has been Relentless scoring, creating chances, and so consistent that has humiliated the Doubters at last. His performances in the Champions League have been sheer magic, where he has been a winner. If PSG are to win the title of Champions League, then Dembélé might as well have won the award.
2. Lamine Yamal: The Teenage Phenom
Lamine Yamal is already making waves around the whole world at the age of 17. To play him is to see what the future holds. He is mad, creative, and has maturity levels way above his age. Yamal’s contribution to Barcelona’s home double and record-breaking Champions League campaign cannot be Overhyped. And his coming-out performances for Spain at Euro 2024 only helped build his emerging legend. If he does it, he will be the youngest player ever to take home the Ballon d’Or a very historic feat.
3. Raphinha: The Unobtrusive Consistent Force
Raphinha is not so much a headline-grabber, he hasn’t had a gigantic role as yet, yet his contribution towards Barcelona’s success to date in the season has been huge. He is one of those types of players who raise the players around him, Jumping into action when it counts with game changing goals and assists. His ground work leadership and work rate have both improved, and he is the most popular player with fans and pundits.
4. Lautaro Martínez: Inter’s Bright Star
Lautaro has been the driving force for Inter Milan’s attack. His 29 goals on the campaign sealed another Serie A championship and took Inter to the Champions League final. The greatest aspect of Lautaro is the fact that he produces big in the big games big games, big goals. If Inter can capture the Champions League, watch him be a prolific nominee in the Ballon d’Or race.
5. Mohamed Salah: Unbeatable Premier League Star
Salah keeps on beating the odds and beating his age. His 28 goals and 18 assists up to this season have been the driving force in Liverpool’s quest for another Premier League crown. Individual brilliance and leadership by Salah, despite the Champions League disappointment, have kept him in the limelight. He’s a champion who has the capacity to deliver In times of crisis.
What Is Making This Ballon d’Or 2025 Contention So Thrilling?
A Change of Guard
The Messi Ronaldo years are gone, and this year’s candidates are a team of players from the next generation. They are more versatile, more adaptable, and more hungry to leave their mark on football.
Champions League Performances Are More Important Than Ever
With Ballon d’Or ceremonies now earlier, Champions League final and Club World Cup action will dominate the ballot. The likes of Lautaro and Dembele can secure their futures by being a significant force.
Big Moments Define Greatness
This year, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about who comes up to bat in the biggest of games. Whether it’s Yamal’s appearances in Europe or Salah’s game winner in the Premier League, the knack for performing on the biggest stage is the key.
A New Approach to What It Takes to Be the Greatest
To the observer’s eye,Top 5 Ballon d’Or this year is a taste of an award for achievement and not name. It’s for those who lift their club in the period of hardship and showcase improvement, adaptability, and leadership. Dembélé’s return from injury, Yamal’s meteoric ascent, and Salah’s stoic chase all attest to football’s greatness not being limited within one fixed mold.
Conclusion: Who Will Take Home the Ballon d’Or in 2025
It’s a close one, and to be honest, any of these five can take home the prize. Dembele is the favourite, but the youth and potential in Yamal make him a dark horse candidate. Raphinha and Lautaro have both carried their respective teams on their shoulders, and Salah’s domination of the Premier League cannot be discounted.
The next few months will be critical especially with the Champions League final and Club World Cup looming large on the View. Whatever happens, we have a Ballon d’Or battle for the ages to anticipate.
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Ballon d’Or 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
The top contenders include football superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and other top performers who have excelled throughout the season.
The Ballon d’Or winner is chosen based on individual performance, team success, skill level, consistency, and impact in major competitions over the year.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually, usually at the end of the football season to honor the best male footballer of the year.
While attackers often dominate the award, exceptional goalkeepers and defenders have won in the past, such as Lev Yashin and Fabio Cannavaro, proving it’s possible with standout performances.
Team success in major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and World Cup significantly boosts a player’s chances, as winning trophies often sways voters.
What Do You Think of Ballon d’Or 2025?
Who do you believe should win the 2025 Ballon d’Or? Join us in the comments below! And if you liked this in-depth article. Keep the debate going!
A dedicated tactical analyst with over 10 years of experience studying European football’s elite leagues. Imran follows the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga with particular focus on managerial systems and tactical evolution. Watching 2-3 matches weekly across these competitions, he has developed deep insights into how different coaching philosophies translate across leagues and cultures. At Latest in Football, Imran specializes in breaking down complex tactical decisions and managerial appointments for everyday football fans.
