2025 Ballon d'Or: Who's Leading the Race?

With Euro 2024 and Champions League performances fresh in memory, here are the top 5 players who could take home the golden ball this year.

The Ballon d’Or isn’t just a trophy. It’s a symbol — of brilliance, of dominance, of a player rising above the rest when it mattered the most. And if the 2024/25 season taught us anything, it’s that football is being redefined by a new generation of magicians, warriors, and genius architects. From the electric pace of wingers to the calm orchestration in midfield, this year has been pure theatre.

Let’s dive into the Top 5 Ballon d’Or candidates of 2025 — not just based on goals and assists, but moments, magic, and memories they’ve given us.

5. Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian King’s Redemption

You thought Salah was done? Think again. The Egyptian King came into 2024/25 with doubters whispering—and walked out with critics silent. He didn’t just maintain his level; he elevated it.

Appearances: 52
Goals: 29
Assists: 17
Champions League: 8 goals, including crucial knockout round strikes.
International: Key figure for Egypt in AFCON 2025, reaching the semifinals.

This was Salah in beast mode—aggressive, intelligent, and absolutely decisive. His pressing was vintage Klopp-era intensity, and his link-up with Liverpool’s new-look front line was buttery smooth. What makes his numbers even more staggering is the consistency. Whether in the Prem or Europe, Salah stepped up in the clutch. He pulled defenders, created space, and most importantly—finished chances when it mattered. If you’re talking Ballon d’Or, you cannot ignore this revival.

4. Pedri – The Soul of Barça’s Midfield

You watch Pedri and you feel like you’re watching football painted on a canvas. There’s no flash for the sake of flash. Everything he does is to move the game forward. The 2024/25 season? Peak Pedri.

La Liga Appearances: 37
Goals: 4
Assists: 5
Passes Completed: 2,672
Passes in Opponent’s Half: 1,958
Final Third Passes: 414
Ball Recoveries: 254

No, those aren’t video game numbers—they’re just the reality of Pedri’s dominance. He dictated the tempo like a seasoned conductor. His vision turned tight situations into launching pads for Barcelona’s attacks. And defensively? The kid tracked back like a workhorse. He wasn’t just in midfield—he owned it. For every tiki-taka move that ended in a goal, there was a Pedri pass that started it.

3. Lamine Yamal – The Teenage Tornado

Lamine Yamal might be just 17, but he played this season like a veteran born to boss the pitch. Barca fans haven’t been this excited about a kid since Messi made his debut. And believe me, it’s not just hype—it’s real.

Appearances: 55
Goals: 18
Assists: 25
Champions League: 5 goals, including a thunderbolt that was crowned Goal of the Season.
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and Euro 2024 with Spain.

Yamal didn’t just light up the Camp Nou—he made the entire continent take notice. That left foot? Magic. His understanding of space, his decision-making in the final third, and the fact that he led Barcelona in assists at 17 is insane. Then add a European title with Spain and you’re looking at a teenage phenom who played like a generational weapon.

2. Raphinha – The Wild Card That Paid Off

You want flair? Fight? Final product? Say less. Raphinha showed up and showed out for Barcelona this season. He was relentless down the wing, taking on defenders like it was personal.

La Liga Appearances: 36
Goals: 18
Assists: 9
Champions League: Named in the Team of the Season.

What made Raphinha’s campaign so powerful was his directness. He didn’t complicate things—he picked his moment and punished. He cut inside, he crossed with intent, and he scored goals that mattered. When Barça needed someone to shake things up, Raphinha was the spark. That right foot was a laser, and his hunger? Relentless.

1. Ousmane Dembélé – The Ranger

Remember when peoplsurgent Stare used to say Dembélé is just potential? Well, the 2024/25 season slapped that narrative straight into the trash. This man didn’t just show up—he took over. Paris Saint-Germain were craving a leader in their Champions League quest, and Dembélé answered with fire.

Appearances: 55
Goals: 33
Assists: 12
Champions League: Named Player of the Season; led PSG to a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.

Dembélé was electric. Whether deployed as a winger or down the middle, he made defenders spin like Beyblades. The scary part? He didn’t just dance on the pitch—he delivered. His directness, pace, and eye for goal made PSG’s attack one of the most feared in Europe. And that Champions League final? He was untouchable. When you shine in the biggest match of the year, there’s no debate—your name belongs on that Ballon d’Or shortlist.