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The race for football's most prestigious individual award is heating up, with the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony brought forward to Monday, September 22nd at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The nominees will be announced on August 22nd, celebrating the best performances from the 2024-25 season.
Unlike recent years, this award will focus mainly on club achievements rather than international competitions, as there were no major tournaments during the period under review.
But who are the top contenders for the coveted “best player in the world title”? Pulse Sports presents the top 10 Ballon d’Or power ranking by Goal.
The Top Contenders
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10. Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
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The Argentine striker has scored 25 goals and made eight assists, helping Inter reach another Champions League final. Despite a recent injury scare, he returned to play a key role in their European success, keeping alive hopes of adding to his trophy collection.
9. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
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Reunited with former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick, the 36-year-old Polish striker has rolled back the years. His 44 goals and five assists helped Barcelona win La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España. After missing the 2024 shortlist, Lewandowski has proven he's still one of Europe's deadliest strikers.
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8. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
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The England captain has finally won his first trophy. Kane's 43 goals and 13 assists fired Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title, ending years of disappointment. At 31, he's shown his goalscoring instincts remain sharp, though Bayern's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Inter was disappointing.
7. Pedri (Barcelona)
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While his six goals and nine assists don't look spectacular on paper, anyone who watched Barcelona this season will tell you how brilliant Pedri has been. Finally staying injury-free, the Spanish midfielder has shown why he was so highly rated as a teenager. Many now consider him the world's best midfielder, particularly after his outstanding performance in the Copa del Rey final.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
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Mbappé's first season at Real Madrid hasn't gone as planned, despite scoring 43 goals. After a slow start, he seemed to find his feet with a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in February. However, Madrid's season fell apart in the final weeks - they lost their Champions League crown to Arsenal, were beaten by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and lost the La Liga title. Despite winning the European Golden Shoe, Mbappé will have to wait longer for his dream Ballon d'Or.
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
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The Egyptian King looked certain to win the award for most of the season after leading Liverpool to the Premier League title under new manager Arne Slot. His 36 goals and 24 assists helped the Reds win the league at a canter, and he's finally signed a new two-year contract to end speculation about his future. However, Liverpool's shock last-16 Champions League exit and his poor showing in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle have damaged his chances significantly.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
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It's been 62 years since a goalkeeper won the Ballon d'Or, but Donnarumma has made a strong case this season. The Italian has been PSG's hero in the Champions League knockout stages, saving penalties at Liverpool and making crucial stops against Aston Villa when they threatened a remarkable comeback from four goals down. His performances against Arsenal were equally impressive, and if PSG complete a treble, he'll deserve significant credit.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
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The Brazilian winger has been Barcelona's most decisive player in their electric front three. His numbers speak for themselves - 39 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. Raphinha was nearly sold last summer when Barca tried to sign Nico Williams, but he's responded by leading the club to a domestic treble. The former Leeds United player is enjoying the best form of his career at exactly the right time.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
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At just 17, Yamal is already being tipped to break records. No player has won the Ballon d'Or before turning 21, but the Barcelona teenager might just manage it in the coming years. This season, he's contributed 19 goals and 26 assists while helping Barca win La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España. Many believe he's been Spain's most impressive attacking player, and his Champions League performances against Inter were absolutely brilliant. He represents the future of football.
1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
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After years of frustrating fans despite his obvious talent, Dembélé has finally lived up to his potential at PSG. The French winger has scored 35 goals and made 13 assists, helping his side dominate French football with wins in Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions.
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More importantly, he's been crucial in PSG's remarkable Champions League run, scoring vital goals against Liverpool and Arsenal as they chase their first European Cup. Under Luis Enrique, PSG now look like Europe's best team, with Dembélé leading the charge.