The Ballon d’Or 2025 race is one of the most exciting in recent years with an incredible mix of experienced superstars and rising prodigies fighting for the biggest individual award in football. Performances across the 2024–25 season in club and international football have set the stage for a tight battle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout nominees and how they fared this season.

Top Contenders: Who Deserves It Most?

Raphinha

Raphinha’s 2024–25 season has been a story of consistency and big-match performances. The Brazilian winger played a key role for Barcelona, delivering crucial goals and assists in La Liga and the Champions League. His pace, flair, and ability to unlock defenses made him one of the most feared wide players in Europe. He also shone for Brazil in international fixtures, helping them remain competitive in Copa America qualifiers. With his decisive contributions in high-pressure matches, Raphinha’s name in the Ballon d’Or 2025 conversation is more than deserved.

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal, still in his teenage years, continues to amaze the football world with maturity beyond his age. The Barcelona sensation dominated the 2024–25 season with electric dribbles, pinpoint passing, and fearless attacking play. He became a vital figure for both club and Spain, contributing to key wins in the Euro 2024 knockout stages and La Liga title race. His creativity often turned games in Barcelona’s favor, proving he’s more than just a promising youngster he’s already elite. If Yamal keeps this up, he could be lifting the Ballon d’Or sooner than anyone imagined.

Pedri

Injury setbacks from past seasons couldn’t stop Pedri from making a huge comeback in 2024–25. The Spanish midfield maestro was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield, controlling games with vision, composure, and passing precision. His partnership with Olmo and De Jong ensured Barcelona dominated possession in most matches. Pedri’s performances for Spain in Euro 2024 were also top-class, earning him plaudits from fans and pundits alike. A Ballon d’Or 2025 win might be difficult this year, but his influence is undeniable.

Ousmane Dembélé

After years of ups and downs, Ousmane Dembélé finally delivered a season that reminded everyone of his world-class potential. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2024–25, Dembélé was an assist machine and a constant threat down the right wing. His blistering pace and technical skills tore apart Ligue 1 defenses, while his performances in the Champions League knockout rounds were game-changers. Staying injury-free allowed him to showcase his consistency, and his form could make him a surprise contender for the Ballon d’Or 2025 shortlist.

Vitinha

Vitinha’s rise at PSG has been one of the most underrated stories of the season. The Portuguese midfielder controlled games with his intelligent positioning, quick passing, and calmness under pressure. In 2024–25, he became a key figure in PSG’s midfield dominance, linking up brilliantly with the club’s attacking stars. He also impressed in the Euros, helping Portugal reach the latter stages with his steady performances. Vitinha may not be the biggest name in the Ballon d’Or 2025 list, but his impact has been huge.

Kylian Mbappé

When you talk about favorites for the Ballon d’Or 2025, Kylian Mbappé’s name naturally comes up. The French superstar had another outstanding season for Real madrid, winning the Laliga Golden Boot and euro golden shoe yet again and scoring decisive goals in the Champions League. He also starred for France in Euro 2024, showing his trademark speed, composure, and clinical finishing. Mbappé’s ability to perform in big games keeps him among the frontrunners for football’s top individual honor.

Nuno Mendes

One of the best young full-backs in the world, Nuno Mendes had an exceptional 2024–25 season with PSG. His defensive solidity combined with his attacking runs down the left flank made him a constant weapon for the French champions. Mendes also contributed assists and crucial defensive interventions in the Champions League. His form for Portugal in Euro 2024 was equally impressive, making him one of the best left-backs globally.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah continues to defy age with another brilliant season at Liverpool. The Egyptian king was once again the Premier League’s most consistent attacker, scoring and creating in nearly every game. His leadership and ability to deliver in clutch moments kept Liverpool competitive domestically and in Europe. Salah also had an impressive international campaign, inspiring Egypt to key victories. While competition is tough, Salah’s numbers and influence make him a worthy Ballon d’Or 2025 nominee.

Ballon d’Or 2025 – Other Nominees Who Could Surprise:

• Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid’s midfield leader, scoring and creating in equal measure.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSG’s last line of defense, saving them in crucial moments.
• Désiré Doué – Rennes’ breakout star, making waves in Ligue 1.
• Denzel Dumfries – Inter’s reliable right-back, solid in both defense and attack.
• Serhou Guirassy – Stuttgart’s goal machine, enjoying his best season.
• Viktor Gyökeres – Sporting CP’s scoring sensation, dominating Portuguese football.
• Erling Haaland – Manchester City’s unstoppable striker with record-breaking numbers.
• Achraf Hakimi – PSG’s attacking right-back, providing both goals and assists.
• Harry Kane – Bayern Munich’s prolific goal scorer and leader.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Napoli’s dazzling winger, full of tricks and goals.
• Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona’s experienced finisher, still scoring at a high rate.
• Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool’s midfield orchestrator with vision and control.
• Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan’s key forward, clinical in the box.
• Scott McTominay – Manchester United’s unexpected goal-scoring midfielder.
• Joao Neves – Benfica’s rising midfield star.
• Michael Olise – Crystal Palace’s creative spark in the Premier League.
• Cole Palmer – Chelsea’s breakout attacker, making an immediate impact.
• Fabian Ruiz – PSG’s steady midfield presence.
• Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool’s defensive rock and leader.
• Vinicius Jr. – Real Madrid’s explosive winger with game-changing pace
• Florian Wirtz – Leverkusen’s creative genius, one of Europe’s brightest talents

Deserving Players Who Missed Out on Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominees:

• Bukayo Saka has been electric for Arsenal all season scoring goals creating chances and tormenting defenders week after week. His consistency and big-game moments made many believe he was a sure nominee but his name was nowhere to be found.

• Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United’s creative leader pulling strings in midfield and stepping up with clutch performances when it mattered most. His omission left a lot of United fans wondering what more he needed to do to be recognized.

• Bradley Barcola had the kind of season that makes fans wonder how he didn’t make the Ballon d’Or 2025 list. Scoring 23 goals and providing 21 assists across competitions he became one of the most dangerous attacking forces in Europe. His pace and creativity tore defenses apart and he delivered in big matches with consistency. While others grabbed the headlines Barcola quietly put together one of the most complete seasons from a winger. Missing out on the Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees might sting but his performances have surely put him on the radar for next year.