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Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Holds On to Top Spot After Club World Cup

Ballon d'Or 2025

Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Holds On to Top Spot After Club World Cup

Published on July 14, 2025

Despite Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea, Ousmane Dembele remains the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.

The latest rankings reveal a competitive field, with standout performances from club and international competitions influencing the top contenders.

10. Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Dynamic at both ends, Mendes had key moments against Liverpool, Villa, and Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the Nations League final. He’s now firmly among the world’s best full-backs.

9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

The Georgian winger was vital to PSG and Napoli’s title wins. Though not always flashy in stats, his creative flair shone in key Champions League ties.

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8. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

Hakimi dominated on the right flank, contributing heavily in both defense and attack. His goals in the Champions League’s final three rounds boosted his reputation further plus his impressive performance at the Club World Cup.

7. Desire Doue (PSG)

At just 19, Doue thrived on the big stage, assisting in the Coupe de France final and dazzling in the UCL final. He also bagged the young player of the tournament at the Club World Cup. He’s PSG’s rising gem and already a big-game player

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6. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Mbappe had monster moments, including a hat-trick vs City, but Madrid’s trophyless domestic run and early Champions League exit prevent him from challenging Dembele this year.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Back to his best under new management, Salah powered Liverpool to the league title. However, his Champions League and domestic cup failures weakened what could’ve been a historic campaign.

4. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s most productive forward this season, Raphinha silenced critics and led the charge for their treble. A stunning personal turnaround.

3. Vitinha (PSG)

PSG’s midfield metronome, Vitinha was praised for his calmness and control, especially in Europe. He capped it off with strong international displays, firmly placing himself in the top 3.

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2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Just 17, Yamal dazzled fans and dominated games, especially in the Champions League semis. He’s not just the future: he’s already among the best.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

Despite fading in the Club World Cup final, Dembele’s overall campaign was elite: crucial in PSG’s Champions League triumph with goals at Anfield, Emirates, and two assists in the final. He remains the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

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