Ballon d'Or 2025 Power Rankings: Mohamed Salah falls out of the top five after a tough week, while Raphinha, Kylian Mbappe, and others see their Golden Ball chances rise.
Rodri’s season-ending injury means he won’t be able to defend his 2024 Ballon d’Or title—so who are the top contenders to take his place?
If you thought the Ballon d’Or had lost its spark after the Messi-Ronaldo era, think again. The 2024 race was one of the most competitive in years, with Rodri edging out Vinicius Jr for the top spot, sparking Real Madrid’s dramatic boycott of the Paris ceremony in protest.
Now, with Rodri sidelined due to a knee injury suffered in September, the door is wide open for a new winner in 2025. With no major international tournaments this season, the award will be decided purely by club performances, giving a wider pool of players a chance to claim the prestigious honor. Additionally, the revamped Club World Cup could play a key role in shaping the final outcome.
20. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
2024-25 Season: 30 Goals, 7 Assists
Guirassy made the move from Stuttgart to Dortmund last summer, and at just €18 million, he’s proving to be one of the best bargains in recent memory. Despite Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga, the Guinea international has been a consistent goal threat, while his Champions League performances have been outstanding.
Among all players in Europe’s top club competition this season, only Raphinha has scored more goals than Guirassy. Overcoming Barcelona in the quarter-finals might be a tough challenge for Niko Kovac’s squad, but with their star striker in red-hot form, they could still pull off a surprise.
19. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
2024-25 Season: 49 Goals, 14 Assists
Since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, Gyokeres has been a revelation. His hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League last October felt like his true breakout moment, finally putting the Swedish striker in the global spotlight.
However, Sporting has struggled since losing manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United, and Gyokeres’ goal-scoring pace has slowed as a result. While a serious Ballon d’Or challenge seems unlikely, if he continues finding the net until June, his sheer numbers should at least secure him a nomination.
18. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
2024-25 Season: 36 Goals, 5 Assists
When Rodri won the Ballon d’Or in October, becoming the first Premier League player to claim the award since 2008, many expected his Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland to be the next in line.
With Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden starting the season slowly, Haaland stepped up as City’s main attacking force, looking set for a third consecutive Golden Boot. However, as City’s form has declined, the Norwegian striker has faced more challenges, and suddenly, both individual and team trophies seem far less certain for Pep Guardiola’s side.
17. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
2024-25 Season: 3 Goals, 1 Assist, 20 Clean Sheets
Approaching his 34th birthday, Van Dijk remains the standout central defender in world football. The Liverpool captain continues to dominate at the highest level, providing leadership for a team that looks destined to reclaim the Premier League title.
Though setbacks in the Champions League and Carabao Cup have slightly dampened Liverpool’s season, Van Dijk’s influence remains undeniable. With his contract entering its final months, if this is indeed his last season at Anfield, he appears set to bow out with Liverpool back on top of English football.
16. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
2024-25 Season: 13 Goals, 13 Assists
After impressing at Crystal Palace in his final seasons, Olise has seamlessly adapted to life at Bayern Munich. The French winger has quickly become a key player in Vincent Kompany’s title-chasing squad, handling the pressures of an elite club with ease.
If he can replicate his standout performances against Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen in the latter stages of the Champions League, Olise could firmly establish himself as a serious Ballon d’Or contender.
15. Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
2024-25 Season: 27 Goals, 6 Assists – Carabao Cup Winner
During his remarkable run of scoring in eight consecutive Premier League games, Isak was widely praised as one of the most complete No.9s in European football—and with good reason. The Swedish striker continues to improve at St James’ Park, attracting interest from top clubs across the continent.
However, his absence from the Champions League could hurt his Ballon d’Or chances, making it crucial for him to maintain his current form. Leading Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory has boosted his case, and securing a Champions League return could help him break into the top 10 rankings.
14. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
2024-25 Season: 6 Goals, 5 Assists – Trophée des Champions Winner
After being a surprise inclusion on last year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, Vitinha now looks like a near certainty for the 2025 nominations following a stellar season at the core of PSG’s midfield.
The former Wolves loanee has been the driving force behind Luis Enrique’s revitalized squad, helping establish PSG as serious Champions League contenders after their knockout victory over Liverpool. With Ligue 1’s frontrunners eyeing a potential treble, such a triumph could propel Vitinha into genuine Ballon d’Or contention.
13. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
2024-25 Season: 21 Goals, 7 Assists
Inter may not be dominating Serie A as they did last season, but Simone Inzaghi’s side remains the team to beat in Italy. If Lautaro Martinez can rediscover his sharpest form in front of goal, few would bet against them successfully defending their title.
The Argentine striker is in the most prolific phase of his career, and with Inter proving to be one of the toughest teams to break down in the Champions League, Lautaro will be eager to make his mark on Europe’s biggest stage in the crucial knockout rounds.
12. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
2024-25 Season: 25 Goals, 6 Assists
Atletico Madrid raised eyebrows with their €95 million summer signing of Julian Alvarez, and his slow start initially drew comparisons to Joao Felix’s ill-fated move. However, while the Argentine has only netted 11 times in La Liga, his overall game has reached new heights, and he has been a consistent scorer in cup competitions.
That said, the lasting image of Alvarez’s debut season in Spain may be his unfortunate slip during the Champions League penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid. He still has a chance to rewrite that narrative by leading Atleti to glory in either the Copa del Rey or La Liga—though their title hopes took a major hit with the recent loss to Barcelona.
11. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
2024-25 Season: 19 Goals, 11 Assists
After guiding Bayern to the Bundesliga title in 2023, Jamal Musiala—like many of his teammates—experienced a quieter campaign last season. However, he has carried his impressive Euro 2024 form into the new season, emerging as the standout player in German football during the first half of the campaign.
While Harry Kane’s goal-scoring exploits dominate headlines at Bayern, Musiala is doing everything possible to establish himself as the club’s main man. If he can sustain his top form and lead the Bavarians to silverware both domestically and in Europe, he could firmly place himself among the top Ballon d’Or contenders.
10. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
In 2024-25: 12 goals, 14 assists. Won UEFA Super Cup & Intercontinental Cup.
After his remarkable debut season at Real Madrid, it was perhaps inevitable that Bellingham would take a backward step in 2024-25. And certainly in terms of his goal-scoring, the England midfielder struggled to hit the same heights during the opening months of the campaign as he got used to a new role following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
However, Bellingham now seems to have figured out how he can best contribute for Los Blancos once more, and is starting to produce in the final third while also providing the tenacious work-rate that sets him apart from some of the world’s other top players. After finishing third in 2024, another Ballon d’Or push isn’t beyond the 21-year-old this time around – as long as he avoids any further suspensions!
9. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
2024-25 Season: 19 Goals, 13 Assists | UEFA Super Cup & Intercontinental Cup Winner
After finishing as a surprise runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race, Vinicius Jr. declared that “the world wasn’t ready” for his response. The Brazilian clearly believed he deserved the Golden Ball over Rodri and has been determined to prove his case ever since.
During the first half of the season, the Real Madrid winger was in electrifying form, arguably unmatched when in full flow. However, 2025 hasn’t started as strongly for the former Flamengo star, and he’ll need to rediscover his best form if Madrid are to successfully defend both their La Liga and Champions League titles.
8. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
2024-25 Season: 36 Goals, 5 Assists | Supercopa de España Winner
After failing to make the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, it seemed Robert Lewandowski’s pursuit of the prestigious award had come to an end. However, under the guidance of his former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona, the 36-year-old has rediscovered his clinical best, once again ranking among Europe’s elite No.9s in the first half of the season.
Though signs of age have crept in recently and Barcelona boasts flashier talents, Lewandowski’s goal-scoring exploits have put him firmly back in the Ballon d’Or conversation with a standout campaign so far.
7. Pedri (Barcelona)
2024-25 Season: 5 Goals, 7 Assists | Supercopa de España Winner
Pedri’s statistics may not be eye-catching, but anyone following Barcelona this season can attest to his exceptional performances under Hansi Flick. Finally enjoying an injury-free run after years of setbacks, the Spanish midfielder is once again fulfilling the immense promise he showed as a teenager.
To truly enter the Ballon d’Or conversation, Pedri will need to replicate his La Liga form on the Champions League stage. With Barcelona benefiting from a favorable draw, he has a real opportunity to be the midfield maestro guiding them toward the final.
6. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
2024-25 Season: 34 Goals, 22 Assists
With his Liverpool contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, Mohamed Salah seems determined to make his potential farewell season at Anfield unforgettable. Under new coach Arne Slot, “The Egyptian King” has rediscovered his peak form, propelling the Reds toward a dominant Premier League title charge.
For much of the Ballon d’Or race, Salah appeared to be the frontrunner. However, Liverpool’s shocking Champions League last-16 exit and his quiet performance in the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle have dented his chances. The 32-year-old still has a shot at becoming Africa’s first Ballon d’Or winner since 1985, but the road ahead just got tougher.
5. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
2024-25 Season: 31 Goals, 7 Assists | Trophée des Champions Winner
Has the real Ousmane Dembélé finally emerged? Since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, the French winger has often frustrated more than he has impressed, despite his undeniable talent. However, midway through his second season at PSG, Dembélé appears to have hit his stride, playing a key role in maintaining the club’s dominance in Ligue 1.
Meanwhile, PSG’s Champions League ambitions remain very much alive after eliminating Liverpool in the last 16—thanks in part to Dembélé’s crucial goal at Anfield. With Luis Enrique’s squad now looking like serious European contenders, their electric winger could be leading them toward something special.
4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
2024-25 Season: 35 Goals, 11 Assists
Could this finally be the year Harry Kane secures the first major trophy of his illustrious career? Bayern Munich have positioned themselves well in the Bundesliga under Vincent Kompany, and the England captain continues to showcase his elite goal-scoring instincts, even after turning 31 last summer.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win proved that scoring alone isn’t always enough to claim football’s top individual honor, but Kane’s well-rounded game makes him a strong contender. If he can guide Bayern to domestic and European success in 2025, he could finally stake his claim for the Golden Ball.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
2024-25 Season: 13 Goals, 20 Assists. Won Supercopa de España.
No player has ever won the Ballon d’Or before turning 21 in the award’s nearly 70-year history, but at this rate, it would be a shock if Lamine Yamal doesn’t become the first. With three more seasons to reach that milestone, the Barcelona prodigy continues to prove why he is regarded as the brightest young talent in football.
Though two of his teammates have scored more goals this season, many La Liga observers consider the 17-year-old the most impressive player in Spain so far. Having already claimed the Kopa Trophy, Yamal could very well find himself back in Paris next year, this time lifting an even bigger prize.
2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
2024-25 Season: 31 Goals, 5 Assists. Won UEFA Super Cup & Intercontinental Cup.
Mbappé’s early days at Real Madrid may not have unfolded as he or the club’s supporters had envisioned, but he still found the net consistently. Now fully settled in the Spanish capital, he has elevated his game to new heights, firmly establishing himself as Los Blancos’ key player—his hat-trick against Manchester City in February serving as a statement performance at the Bernabéu.
It’s no secret that Mbappé has long set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or, a prize of immense prestige in his homeland. If his recent form is any indication, 2025 could be the year he finally claims football’s ultimate individual honor.
1. Raphinha (Barcelona)
2024-25 Season: 31 Goals, 19 Assists. Won Supercopa de Espana.
Some might argue that Raphinha has been the standout performer in Barcelona’s explosive front three this season, and his impressive goal and assist tally certainly supports that claim. However, as the least-celebrated member of the Blaugrana’s attacking trio, he may need to produce truly extraordinary numbers by season’s end to cement himself as a genuine Ballon d’Or contender.
That said, there’s no question that the Brazilian is in the form of his life. With a treble still within Barca’s grasp, he might just be the frontrunner for football’s most prestigious individual award.
