Top 5 Ballon d’Or 2025 Favorites

The Ballon d’Or 2025 race is heating up. Top players from across the world are in contention. Some are young stars making history. Others are experienced leaders delivering big performances. Trophies, stats, and key moments all matter. Fans and experts are closely watching every game. This year’s race is one of the most exciting in recent memory. From La Liga to the Premier League, talent is everywhere. The Ballon d’Or 2025 will be awarded on September 22 in Paris. Nominees will be announced in early August. Let’s look at the top five favorites for football’s biggest individual prize.

1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

Dembélé leads the Ballon d’Or rankings. He scored 33 goals and supplied 12 assists this season. He helped PSG win the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions. France Football’s power rankings put him first. Coach Luis Enrique says he “deserves the Ballon d’Or without doubt”. Odds: around 2/1, making him clear favorite .

2. Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)

Yamal is just 17 years old. He became the youngest Ballon d’Or nominee ever). He had 9 goals and 13 assists in 35 La Liga appearances . He also delivered 18 goal contributions in all competitions, including domestic cup wins . Spain won Euro 2024, where Yamal won Young Player of the Tournament . He signed a six-year deal recently . Odds: about 4/1 .

3. Raphinha (FC Barcelona)

Raphinha has been Barcelona’s creative spark. He scored 18 goals in La Liga, ranking sixth in scoring charts. He added 13 Champions League goal contributions in 14 games. He helped Barça win La Liga and Copa del Rey. Odds: roughly 8/1 .

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah remains a Premier League force. He tallied 29 league goals and 18 assists . He won the Premier League Golden Boot and helped Liverpool clinch the title . He also had strong UEFA Champions League performances . He remains the only top-five Premier Leaguer Odds: around 10/1 (11/1) .

5. Pedri (FC Barcelona)

Pedri is Barcelona’s midfield engine He scored 4 League goals and 2 Copa goals in 2024–25  He won La Liga Player of the Month in April He also helped Spain in Euro 2024 . Odds: near 120/1 .

Full Comparison

What It Means

• Dembélé is the clear front-runner. He had a brilliant season for PSG. He scored over 30 goals in all competitions. He also won the Champions League and domestic treble. His stats and trophies make a strong case.
• Lamine Yamal is making history. At just 17, he’s breaking records. He helped Barcelona win La Liga. He also won the Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024. His talent and hype are unmatched.
• Raphinha had a standout season. He scored heavily in both La Liga and Europe. His creative output is elite.
• Mohamed Salah was Liverpool’s star. He delivered goals, assists, and leadership. He helped them win the Premier League.
• Pedri controlled Barcelona’s midfield. His intelligence and passing were vital. He doesn’t have many goals. But his overall impact is clear.
  

 Each player has a unique claim to the award. Power rankings by outlets like Goal and SportsGrail reflect this order. Media outlets like The Guardian and AS reward this elite five, while also noting names like Mbappé and Kane .

Looking Ahead to Ballon d’Or 2025

Ballon d’Or nominees will be revealed in early August. Voting closes on July 31. The final shortlist depends on stats, trophies, and big-game performances.

Fans around the world are watching closely. Dembélé and Yamal are leading the conversation. Their seasons have been exceptional. Raphinha continues his rise with quiet brilliance. His numbers are among the best. Salah brings Premier League experience and consistency. Pedri offers midfield control and smart play. Each player adds something different. All five are still in the race. The final vote will decide who takes football’s top honor.

Verdict

The Ballon d’Or 2025 race is open and electric. Dembélé holds the lead. Yamal brings raw star power. Raphinha adds consistency. Salah keeps delivering. Pedri rounds out the top midfield picks. Expect surprises when nominees drop in August. September’s ceremony may crown a breakthrough winner. This year’s award reflects both youth surge and elite consistency.