Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings: Who are the Top 20 Contenders?

Discover the top 20 Ballon d’Or contenders following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup that witnessed some major shifts.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or race is wide open after last year's winner, Rodri, suffered a season-ending injury.

With no major international tournaments this year, club performances will be the sole deciding factor.

Following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, there has been a shift in power rankings for football’s most coveted individual award.

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So, who are the top 20 Ballon d’Or contenders?

Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings: Who are the Top 20 Contenders?

20. Bradley Barcola (PSG)

A prolific season with over 40 combined goals and assists (23 goals and 21 assists), including a brace in the Coupe de France final. However, being benched for key Champions League matches may hinder his chances. He won the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions.

19. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

A breakout season for the young Frenchman, justifying Bayern's hefty investment with impressive goals and assists (22 goals and 24 assists), capped off by a strong Club World Cup showing. He won the Bundesliga.

18. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

A strong start to the season couldn't mask a disappointing finish, including an underwhelming Club World Cup campaign, making a top 10 finish unlikely. Vinicius scored 24 goals and had 20 assists as Madrid won the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.

17. Joao Neves (PSG)

An impactful debut season for PSG, highlighted by a crucial goal against Manchester City in the Champions League. However, a red card in the Club World Cup final might tarnish his image.

Joao Neves had Seven goals and 10 assists as PSG claimed the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions and UEFA Nations League.

16. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)

A goal-scoring machine, Viktor Gyokeres' remarkable season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City, should secure him a Ballon d'Or nomination. The Arsenal-bound Swedish striker scored an incredible 63 goals and added 16 assists as Sporting CP won Liga Portugal and Taca de Portugal.

15. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

The Italian shot-stopper's heroics in the Champions League knockout stages, including penalty shootout saves and crucial stops, make him a strong contender for the award.

Gianluigi Donnarumma kept 19 clean sheets as he won Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions with the French giants.

14. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

A resurgent season under Hansi Flick, proving his goal-scoring prowess remains intact. However, his age, now 36, and Barcelona's semi-final Champions League exit might limit his chances.

The Polish striker had 44 goals and five assists and won La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.

13. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

A tale of two halves for Palmer, with a dip in form mid-season redeemed by stellar performances in the Conference League and Club World Cup finals.

The architect of PSG’s downfall in the Club World Cup final, Cole Palmer had 18 goals and 14 assists as Chelsea won Club World Cup and Conference League.

12. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Finally capturing his first major trophy with the Bundesliga title, Harry Kane's consistent goal-scoring and all-around game make him a worthy contender after bagging 48 goals and 14 assists last term.

11. Pedri (Barcelona)

A standout season for the Spanish midfielder, showcasing his exceptional talent and playmaking abilities. Barcelona's Champions League exit, however, might hold him back.

Pedri had seven goals and 10 assists as Barca claimed the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana trophies.

10. Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Impressive performances in the Champions League, including shutting down Mohamed Salah and scoring key goals, elevate Mendes' status as a top full-back.

The Portugal left-back managed seven goals and 12 assists helped PSG keep 18 clean sheets and won Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions with PSG as well as the UEFA Nations League.

9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

Contributing to title wins for both PSG and Napoli, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's electric moments in the Champions League knockout stages solidify his Ballon d'Or candidacy.

The Georgian forward scored 15 goals and had 13 assists for both teams which earned him Champions League, Ligue 1, Serie A and Coupe de France titles.

8. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

A consistently high-performing right-back, Achraf Hakimi's defensive strength and attacking contributions, including key goals in the Champions League, make him a top contender.

The Moroccan full-back had an incredible 13 goals and 17 assists and helped secure 26 clean sheets with Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions the trophies he won.

7. Desire Doue (PSG)

Making the most of his opportunities, Desire Doue's impactful performances, especially in the Champions League and Coupe de France finals, highlight his potential.

The young French forward had 16 goals and as many assists, winning Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions with PSG.

6. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Despite a respectable goal tally and moments of brilliance, a disappointing end to the season for Real Madrid, including surrendering their Champions League crown, will likely cost Kylian Mbappe the Ballon d'Or.

The Frenchman banged in 46 goals and had seven assists, winning UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in his debut season with Madrid.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

A resurgent season under new manager Arne Slot, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title. However, early exits in other competitions have diminished his chances.

Mohamed Salah topped the scoring charts in England and had 36 goals and 24 assists across all competitions.

4. Raphinha (Barcelona)

The most decisive player in Barcelona's electric front three, Raphinha's impressive goals and assists were instrumental in their domestic treble.

The Brazilian winger scored 39 goals and weighed in with 25 assists as Barcelona won La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.

3. Vitinha (PSG)

The heart of PSG's midfield, Vitinha's masterful performances throughout the season, including the Champions League triumph and Nations League victory with Portugal, place him firmly in the top tier of contenders.

The midfielder had eight goals and as many assists, winning Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions and UEFA Nations League.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

A prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal's impressive displays in La Liga and the Champions League make him a strong candidate, despite his young age.

The Spanish starlet, who has just turned 18, contributed 21 goals, 26 assists, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

A season of realisation for Ousmane Dembele, his crucial goals in the Champions League knockout stages and consistent performances throughout the year make him the favorite for the Ballon d'Or, despite a quiet Club World Cup final.

Dembele had 37 goals and 16 assists as he helped PSG to Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions victories.