The 2024-25 football season is hitting its stride, and the battle for the Ballon d’Or, the game’s ultimate individual honor, is taking shape. Goals and assists tell part of the story, but trophies and unforgettable moments often decide who lifts the Golden Ball. Here’s our take on the top 10 players in contention, based on what they’ve done so far, where they could finish, and how they might catch the voters’ eyes. Let’s get into it.
10. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 9 goals, 12 assists, 16 clean sheets | Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
Hakimi’s reputation continues to soar. Defensively sharp and a constant attacking outlet, he delivered big moments in Europe, including goals in both the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. With PSG chasing the Champions League, his all-action displays have made him a real Ballon d’Or outsider, and arguably the best right-back in the game right now.
9. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Stats: 38 goals, 11 assists | Bundesliga
Kane finally has a major trophy to his name, but the season still ended on a sour note. Bayern’s early Champions League exit and lack of domestic dominance saw his influence wane. He kept scoring at a high rate, but with others lifting trebles and shining on the biggest stages, Kane slides down the rankings.
8. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Stats: 42 goals, 3 assists | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
Many thought Lewandowski’s Ballon d’Or chase had ended, but this season proved otherwise. Back under Hansi Flick, he rolled back the years and led Barça to a domestic treble. His movement, finishing and consistency were vintage, and at 36, he’s back among the elite.
7. Pedri (Barcelona)
Stats: 6 goals, 8 assists | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
This wasn’t about numbers. Pedri was finally injury-free and looked every bit the midfield genius he was projected to be. He controlled games, especially in key moments like the Copa del Rey final. Barca’s Champions League semi-final loss holds him back, but his performances have reignited talk of a Ballon d’Or down the line.
6. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 11 clean sheets | Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
In a season where PSG looked Europe’s most balanced side, Donnarumma was their defensive anchor. He starred in knockout games — saving penalties at Anfield and shutting down Villa and Arsenal. If PSG finish the job in the Champions League, the Italian’s campaign will be impossible to ignore.
5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Stats: 43 goals, 5 assists | UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Mbappe announced himself in Madrid with a jaw-dropping hat-trick against Manchester City, but the season went downhill from there. Defeats to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and league, and a limp Champions League exit, have hurt his chances. Still, the Golden Shoe and his individual brilliance will keep him in the conversation.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Stats: 34 goals, 23 assists | Premier League
Salah silenced the doubters under Arne Slot, powering Liverpool to the league title with a vintage campaign. But his Champions League exit and Carabao Cup no-show cost him dearly. He was the early favourite, but as others excelled late in the season, Salah’s grip on the Ballon d’Or lead slipped.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Stats: 34 goals, 22 assists | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
From nearly being sold to becoming Barca’s main man, Raphinha delivered a career-best campaign. His numbers were staggering, and he was the most consistent performer across their treble push. His impact in big games and his sheer output make him a genuine contender.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Stats: 19 goals, 21 assists | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España
At just 17, Yamal is already delivering at a Ballon d’Or level. He tormented defences all year, shone in the Champions League semis, and often looked like Barca’s most dangerous attacker. If he doesn’t win it this year, he’ll surely win it soon — he’s rewriting what’s possible at his age.
1. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Stats: 33 goals, 13 assists | Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
After years of inconsistency, Dembele has finally put together a complete season. He was decisive in domestic competitions and crucial in PSG’s European run, with goals at Anfield, the Emirates and two assists in the Champions League final against Inter, His raw talent has been refined, the favourite for the award right now.
Notable Mentions:
11. Vitinha
12. Nuno Mendes
13. Lautaro Martinez
14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
15. Désiré Doué
16. Declan Rice
17. Viktor Gyökeres
18. Vinícius Júnior
19. Jude Bellingham
18. Denzel Dumfries
All stats are club statistics and sourced from SofaScore.
