The 10 Players Likely to Win Ballon d’Or 2025

The 10 Players Likely to Win Ballon d’Or 2025 highlights the footballers who have defined the 2025 season with exceptional performances and are in the running for the sport’s most prestigious individual award. This year’s contenders include a mix of seasoned superstars and rising talents who have excelled in domestic leagues, European competitions, and international tournaments. Each player has demonstrated skill, consistency, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations, making them serious Golden Ball contenders.

From prolific goal-scorers like Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah to creative playmakers such as Vitinha and Raphinha, the list showcases players who influence every aspect of the game. Young prodigies like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham have also made a mark, proving that talent, vision, and composure are not limited by age. Their performances have helped their clubs win titles, progress deep into the Champions League, and deliver unforgettable moments that define the season.

Beyond statistics, these players embody leadership, tactical intelligence, and the ability to inspire teammates. Fans and analysts follow their every move, debating who deserves the ultimate recognition. The 10 Players Likely to Win Ballon d’Or 2025 provides a detailed look at the top performers of 2025, revealing the talent, impact, and consistency that could earn them football’s most coveted individual honor.

10. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (Poland, 36)

Robert Lewandowski, the seasoned Polish striker at Barcelona, continues to shine at 36, proving that age is no barrier to elite performance. In 2025, Lewandowski contributed 45 goals and assists, demonstrating his exceptional finishing, positioning, and consistency. His ability to score in crucial moments and lead the attack has made him a pivotal figure for Barcelona this season.

Lewandowski’s experience allows him to read the game like few others, anticipating defensive movements and creating scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Despite his age, he remains physically fit, technically proficient, and tactically intelligent, maintaining his status as one of the world’s top forwards. In addition to personal statistics, Lewandowski helped Barcelona reach the Champions League semi-finals and win multiple domestic trophies, including La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and Copa del Rey.

Fans and pundits admire Lewandowski not just for his skill but for his professionalism, consistency, and leadership. His ability to mentor younger players while delivering world-class performances sets him apart. While his odds for the Ballon d’Or remain long at 150/1, his influence on the pitch and his collection of trophies highlight his enduring impact on world football. Lewandowski embodies the perfect blend of experience, talent, and determination, making him a respected contender in the 2025 Golden Ball race.

9. Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid (Brazil, 24)

Vinicius Jr, the dynamic winger for Real Madrid, has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in world football in 2025. Known for his incredible pace, dribbling ability, and creativity, Vinicius contributed 41 combined goals and assists this season, constantly threatening defenses across La Liga and European competitions.

His tactical intelligence and versatility allow him to operate effectively on the left wing or cut inside, creating scoring opportunities and space for teammates. Vinicius played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s journey to the Champions League quarter-finals and helped secure the UEFA Super Cup, highlighting his influence on key matches. Fans admire his flair, agility, and relentless energy, which make him a nightmare for defenders while inspiring teammates with his attacking prowess.

Despite his relatively young age of 24, Vinicius Jr has shown maturity and consistency that few players possess. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with technical brilliance and composure, makes him a legitimate Ballon d’Or contender. While his odds currently stand at 150/1, his 2025 season demonstrates the skill, impact, and star quality required to compete for football’s most prestigious individual award. Vinicius Jr continues to evolve as one of the world’s top wingers and an exciting figure in modern football.

8. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid (England, 21)

Jude Bellingham, the English midfield prodigy at Real Madrid, has continued his meteoric rise in 2025, making a major impact at only 21 years old. Bellingham contributed 30 goals and assists this season, blending creativity, defensive awareness, and tactical intelligence to dominate midfield battles. His ability to link defense and attack makes him indispensable to Madrid’s system.

Bellingham’s composure under pressure, precise passing, and vision enable him to control the tempo of games while providing key contributions in high-stakes moments. His efforts helped Real Madrid reach the Champions League quarter-finals and secure the UEFA Super Cup, demonstrating his ability to influence success at both domestic and European levels. Fans and analysts alike admire his maturity, professionalism, and leadership qualities, which far exceed his age.

Despite being a young talent, Bellingham shows the consistency and quality of a seasoned professional, making him a top Ballon d’Or contender. While his odds remain 150/1, his influence, performances, and technical skill mark him as one of football’s brightest stars. Jude Bellingham exemplifies the next generation of elite midfielders, combining youth, talent, and intelligence to leave a lasting impression on world football in 2025.

7. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (England, 31)

Harry Kane, Bayern Munich’s veteran striker, continues to impress in 2025 with his remarkable goal-scoring ability and tactical intelligence. Kane contributed 55 goals and assists this season, demonstrating his lethal finishing, positioning, and link-up play. His adaptability allows him to lead the line, drop deep, and create chances for teammates, making him a complete forward.

Kane’s physical presence, aerial ability, and experience enable him to thrive against top defenses, while his work rate and professionalism make him an indispensable leader for Bayern Munich. He played a pivotal role in helping the team secure the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League quarter-finals, proving his impact in high-pressure matches. Fans respect his consistency, intelligence, and dedication to the game, which has kept him among the world’s elite forwards for over a decade.

While his Ballon d’Or odds currently stand at 150/1, Kane’s combination of skill, leadership, and experience positions him as a strong contender. In 2025, he continues to influence matches with composure, intelligence, and clinical finishing, maintaining his reputation as one of football’s top strikers. Harry Kane exemplifies the perfect blend of experience and elite performance, making him a respected name in the Golden Ball race.

6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid (France, 26)

Kylian Mbappe, the French superstar at Real Madrid, remains one of football’s most exciting forwards in 2025. With 48 goals and assists this season, Mbappe has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s attacking play, using his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing to dominate defenses.

Mbappe’s versatility allows him to play across the forward line, creating space for teammates while consistently scoring and assisting in key moments. His performances helped Real Madrid reach the Champions League quarter-finals and secure the Super Cup, reinforcing his influence on both domestic and European competitions. Fans admire his composure under pressure, vision, and relentless energy, which make him a formidable presence in attack.

At 26, Mbappe combines youth and experience, displaying tactical intelligence, speed, and finishing ability at the highest level. His odds of 33/1 reflect the challenge of winning the Ballon d’Or, yet his impact and performances in 2025 clearly establish him among the world’s elite players. Kylian Mbappe continues to redefine forward play, combining individual brilliance with team contribution, making him one of the top contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award.

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5. Raphinha – Barcelona (Brazil, 28)

Raphinha, Barcelona’s Brazilian winger, has had an outstanding 2025 season, making him one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or. With 59 combined goals and assists, he has been pivotal in Barcelona’s attack, using his pace, creativity, and technical skill to consistently beat defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Raphinha’s versatility allows him to play on either wing or cut inside to finish, making him a constant threat in La Liga and European competitions. He helped Barcelona reach the Champions League semi-finals and contributed to domestic success, winning La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and Copa del Rey. His performances reflect not only individual brilliance but also the ability to elevate team play.

Fans admire Raphinha’s agility, flair, and intelligence on the ball, which enable him to influence matches decisively. His vision, decision-making, and consistency make him one of the most effective wingers in the world. Despite the competitive field, his 16/1 odds reflect the respect he has earned for his 2025 achievements. Raphinha combines skill, work ethic, and determination, making him a serious contender for football’s most prestigious individual award. He exemplifies the modern winger: fast, creative, and capable of producing moments of magic that define the game.

4. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (Spain, 17)

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, continues to dazzle in 2025, emerging as a serious Ballon d’Or contender at just 17 years old. Contributing 43 goals and assists, Yamal combines raw talent, speed, and technical precision to make a significant impact on the pitch. His ability to take on defenders, create scoring opportunities, and influence games sets him apart as one of the brightest young stars in world football.

Despite his youth, Yamal has displayed remarkable composure and tactical awareness, performing consistently in high-pressure matches. He played a crucial role in Barcelona reaching the Champions League semi-finals and securing domestic trophies, including La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and Copa del Rey. Fans and analysts alike are captivated by his fearless style, creativity, and maturity beyond his years.

Lamine Yamal exemplifies the next generation of football brilliance, blending natural talent with intelligence and composure. His 4/1 odds reflect the high regard in which he is held globally. In 2025, he continues to grow rapidly, leaving a lasting impression in both domestic and European competitions. Yamal’s performances show that age is no barrier to excellence, cementing his place among football’s elite and a serious contender for the Golden Ball this year.

3. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (Egypt, 32)

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s prolific winger, remains one of football’s elite performers in 2025. With 57 goals and assists this season, Salah continues to demonstrate his lethal finishing, dribbling, and ability to influence matches. His intelligence, pace, and creativity make him a constant threat to defenses in the Premier League and European competitions.

Salah’s experience allows him to perform under pressure, delivering goals in crucial matches while linking effectively with teammates. He helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title while making notable contributions in the Champions League, reaching the Round of 16. His consistency, professionalism, and leadership both on and off the pitch make him an inspiring figure for younger players and fans worldwide.

Despite his odds of 16/1, Salah’s performances in 2025 underscore his quality and influence as one of the world’s top wingers. He combines individual brilliance with team contribution, consistently affecting games at the highest level. Mohamed Salah’s skill, work ethic, and impact on Liverpool’s success make him a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or, proving that age and experience can enhance, rather than limit, elite performance in modern football.

2. Vitinha – PSG (Portugal, 25)

Vitinha, PSG’s creative midfielder, has played a pivotal role in the club’s dominant 2025 season, emerging as a top Ballon d’Or contender. Contributing 13 goals and assists, Vitinha excels in controlling the tempo, linking defense to attack, and providing key passes that unlock defenses. His tactical intelligence, vision, and composure under pressure make him an essential figure in PSG’s midfield.

Vitinha’s performances helped PSG secure multiple trophies, including Ligue 1, the Trophée des Champions, UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, UEFA Nations League, and UEFA Super Cup. His ability to maintain consistency while influencing crucial matches highlights his importance to the team and his overall quality. Fans and analysts admire his technical skills, decision-making, and calmness in high-stakes situations.

At 25, Vitinha combines youthful energy with elite-level experience, making him a standout midfielder on the world stage. His 10/1 odds reflect the strong recognition of his achievements and influence in 2025. Vitinha’s creativity, vision, and ability to control matches position him as one of football’s most complete and effective midfielders, solidifying his place as a serious contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year.

1. Ousmane Dembele – PSG (France, 28)

Ousmane Dembele, PSG’s star winger, tops the Ballon d’Or 2025 ranking thanks to his electrifying performances this season. Contributing 51 goals and assists, Dembele combines pace, dribbling, creativity, and vision to consistently impact matches and break down even the toughest defenses. His ability to score, assist, and create opportunities for teammates makes him a complete and versatile forward.

Dembele played a pivotal role in PSG winning multiple trophies in 2025, including Ligue 1, the Trophée des Champions, UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup. His performances in key games demonstrate his ability to deliver under pressure and influence outcomes at the highest level. Fans and pundits alike praise his flair, technical skill, and game-changing contributions, cementing his status as one of the world’s elite players.

At 28, Dembele combines experience with peak physical condition, making him a constant threat and an inspirational figure on the pitch. His odds of 1/4 highlight his status as the favorite for the Golden Ball in 2025. Ousmane Dembele’s blend of skill, consistency, and influence ensures he leads the race, making him the standout star and the top contender for football’s most prestigious individual award this year.

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