Ballon d’Or 2025 reaches fever pitch. This prestigious award is given annually to the best male football player in the world, and this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Below are our power rankings of the top contenders vying for this coveted accolade.
1. Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian king continues to dazzle on the pitch with his extraordinary skills and goal-scoring prowess. Salah has been a pivotal player for Liverpool, consistently delivering match-winning performances in both domestic and European competitions. His ability to change games single-handedly makes him a strong favorite for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
2. Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker remains a goal machine, showcasing his incredible finishing ability week in and week out. After a stellar season with Barcelona, where he broke numerous records, Lewandowski is once again in the mix for the award. His experience and consistency keep him firmly in contention.
3. Raphinha
The Brazilian winger has made waves since his move to Barcelona, proving to be a crucial asset with his creativity and flair. Raphinha’s ability to assist and score has elevated his status among the elite, making him a dark horse candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
4. Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in world football. His blistering pace and dribbling skills have not only made him a nightmare for defenders but also a key player for Real Madrid. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could very well challenge for the top spot.
5. Lamine Yamal
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has already made headlines with his remarkable performances for Barcelona. His maturity on the ball and ability to impact games at such a young age has made him a player to watch. If he maintains his form, he could surprise many by climbing higher in these rankings.
6. Jamal Musiala
The young German midfielder has been a revelation for Bayern Munich. Musiala’s vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability make him one of the most promising players in Europe. As he continues to develop, he could become a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or.
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7. Harry Kane
Kane’s relentless pursuit of goals has once again placed him among the top strikers in world football. His leadership on and off the pitch for both Bayern and the England national team cannot be overlooked. Kane’s experience and consistency keep him relevant in this race.
8. Erling Haaland
Despite being one of the youngest players on this list, Haaland’s goal-scoring record is nothing short of phenomenal. The Norwegian striker has taken the Premier League by storm with Manchester City, and his physicality combined with technical skills makes him a perennial favorite for individual accolades.
9. Viktor Gyökeres
The Swedish forward has been making headlines with his impressive performances in the English Championship and now in the Premier League. Gyökeres’s rise has been meteoric, and if he continues to shine at Sporting, he could find himself in serious contention.
10. Kylian Mbappe
Though he is currently lower in our rankings than expected, Mbappe’s talent is undeniable. The French superstar has faced challenges this season but remains one of the most lethal forwards in football. If he can regain his form and lead Madrid to success, expect him to rise rapidly in these rankings.
