The Ballon d’Or, an annual accolade presented by France Football, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. The award recognises the best player in the world over a calendar year, taking into account individual brilliance, consistency, and contributions to team success. In 2024, Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri claimed the title, capping off a phenomenal 2023-24 campaign that saw him orchestrate City’s treble-winning season. However, Rodri’s hopes of defending his crown were cruelly cut short by a season-ending ACL injury suffered in August 2024.
With the spotlight now shifting to this season, several players have emerged as strong candidates for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The selection criteria for the award are multifaceted and include:
— Individual Statistics: Goals, assists, clean sheets, key passes, and overall impact on matches.
— Team Success: Performances in domestic leagues, cup competitions, and international tournaments. Players who contribute significantly to trophy wins often hold an edge.
— Consistency: Sustained excellence throughout the year rather than fleeting moments of brilliance.
— Big-Game Performances: Delivering in crucial matches, such as finals or derbies, often separates great players from legendary ones.
Here’s a look at 20 players who could potentially secure the 2025 Ballon d’Or based on their form, contributions, and potential to lead their teams to glory this season
10. Florian Wirtz (Germany/Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz, one of the brightest young talents in world football, made his Ballon d’Or shortlist debut in 2024 and looks set to remain a contender for years to come. The 21-year-old has been in fine form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists across all competitions.
His standout performances in the Champions League have been particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. However, Bayer Leverkusen have struggled to replicate the dominance that earned them the Bundesliga title last season. For Wirtz to break into the Ballon d’Or elite, he may need to elevate his performances even further to compensate for his team’s inconsistencies.
9. Cole Palmer (England/Chelsea)
Cole Palmer has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top players this season, making a significant impact for a rejuvenated Chelsea side under Enzo Maresca. The 21-year-old has registered 14 goals and six assists so far, building on the form that earned him a place on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
However, despite his individual brilliance, Palmer’s chances of competing for the Ballon d’Or could be hindered by Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League this season. If the Blues continue their resurgence and Palmer maintains his current form, he could still find himself in contention for major individual honours.
8. Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane’s wait for a major trophy might finally come to an end this season, as Bayern Munich have started their Bundesliga campaign strongly under Vincent Kompany. The 31-year-old has been in sensational form, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions.
While goals alone might no longer guarantee Ballon d’Or success, Kane’s all-round game and leadership qualities make him a standout candidate. If he can inspire Bayern to domestic and European success, he could emerge as a serious contender for the award.
7. Kylian Mbappé (France/Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé’s start at Real Madrid hasn’t been as explosive as many expected, but the French forward is still delivering with 16 goals and four assists this season. Having already helped Los Blancos win the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, he remains a key figure in their pursuit of more silverware.
Mbappé’s desire to win the Ballon d’Or is no secret, but his impact at Real Madrid has been somewhat overshadowed by the performances of other players in the squad. If he can rediscover his best form and lead Madrid to further success, he could solidify his claim for football’s most coveted individual prize.
6. Jamal Musiala (Germany/Bayern Munich)
At just 21 years old, Jamal Musiala has emerged as one of Bayern Munich’s most creative forces this season. While Harry Kane has dominated the headlines with his staggering 29 goal contributions in 20 games, Musiala’s own contributions have been pivotal. The German international has tallied 14 goals and five assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, cementing his reputation as a playmaker.
His performances have been instrumental in Bayern climbing to the top of the Bundesliga, where they currently sit on 36 points after 15 games. Musiala’s impressive displays for Germany in the UEFA Nations League—where he contributed two goals and three assists in four matches—also underline his growing influence. Should Bayern secure multiple trophies this season, Musiala could become a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or.
5. Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Barcelona)
At 36, Robert Lewandowski continues to defy age, proving why he remains one of Europe’s deadliest strikers. The Polish veteran has netted 26 goals and provided two assists in 27 appearances this season, showing no signs of slowing down.
Many believed Lewandowski’s best days were behind him after he failed to make the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. However, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, he has rediscovered his form and is determined to secure the Golden Ball—a prize he narrowly missed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although his contributions for Poland during the UEFA Nations League have been modest, with one goal and two assists in four matches, Lewandowski’s chances will largely depend on Barcelona’s ability to clinch silverware this season.
4. Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona)
Lamine Yamal, who secured his third trophy of the season in Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid, continues to break records and captivate fans at just 17 years old. The Barcelona wonderkid has been in scintillating form this season, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions.
His creativity, vision, and remarkable composure have already established him as one of La Liga’s most exciting and influential players, with many predicting an even brighter future for the young star.
Despite being outscored by some of his teammates, Yamal’s performances have been pivotal to Barcelona’s campaign. No player has ever won the Ballon d’Or before their 21st birthday, but Yamal has three years to achieve that feat. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could make history sooner rather than later.
3. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil/Real Madrid)
Vinícius Júnior narrowly missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or but has started 2025 with a vengeance. The Brazilian winger played a key role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.
Despite missing four matches due to injury, Vinícius has registered 15 goals and nine assists in 23 appearances this season. However, his form on the international stage has been less inspiring, with no goals or assists in four World Cup qualifying matches for Brazil.
Vinícius’s Ballon d’Or hopes hinge on his ability to lead Real Madrid to further success. Los Blancos are currently top of La Liga with 43 points from 19 games but will need to improve in the Champions League, where they sit 20th with nine points from six matches.
2. Raphinha (Brazil/Barcelona)
Raphinha is enjoying the finest season of his career, standing out as Barcelona’s most influential player this campaign. The Brazilian winger has flourished under Hansi Flick, contributing 20 goals and 9 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
He has also delivered on the international stage, scoring three goals in four matches during Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers. Barcelona recently triumphed over rivals Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup and remain strong contenders in the Champions League, where they finished second in their group with 15 points from six games.
If Raphinha continues his impressive form and plays a pivotal role in helping Barcelona secure more silverware, he could emerge as a serious contender for the coveted Ballon d’Or.
1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah has been nothing short of sensational this season, delivering world-class performances for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot. Despite being in the final year of his contract, the Egyptian forward has elevated his game to extraordinary heights, amassing 21 goals and 17 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Salah has also contributed on the international stage, scoring twice in three AFCON qualifiers for Egypt. His brilliance has propelled Liverpool to the top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings, with 46 and 18 points respectively. Additionally, the Reds have reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.
If Salah can inspire Liverpool to a trophy-laden season, there is little doubt he will be a front-runner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Other contenders outside the top 10:
11. Erling Haaland
12. Jude Bellingham
13. Virgil van Dijk
14. Bukayo Saka
15. Pedri
16. Gabriel Magalhães
17. Antoine Griezmann
18. Viktor Gyökeres
19. Federico Valverde
20. Omar Marmoush
