From Paris Saint-Germain’s continental dominance to Barcelona’s domestic resurgence and Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, many of this season’s brightest stars have left indelible marks. As the curtains begin to close on a breathtaking campaign, here’s a breakdown of the current top 10 in the Ballon d’Or race.
10. Achraf Hakimi – PSG
Stats: 11 goals, 15 assists, 21 clean sheets
Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
A cornerstone of PSG’s historic treble, Hakimi combined elite defending with a consistent attacking output. His ability to deliver in key moments, particularly in the Champions League, solidifies his case as the best right-back in the world this season.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG
Stats: 14 goals, 11 assists
Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Serie A, Coupe de France
The Georgian winger lit up both Serie A and Ligue 1 before sealing Champions League glory with PSG. His dazzling footwork and match-winning moments on Europe’s biggest stage give him a late surge in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
8. Désiré Doué – PSG
Stats: 15 goals, 16 assists
Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
A breakout star of the season, Doué turned heads with mature performances far beyond his years. His defining display in the Champions League final added weight to an already stellar campaign.
7. Nuno Mendes – PSG
Stats: 7 goals, 12 assists, 13 clean sheets
Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, Nations League
In a season where full-backs struggled for consistency, Mendes excelled on every front. His defensive masterclass in the Nations League final—nullifying Yamal—was the exclamation point on a sensational year.
6. Vitinha – PSG
Stats: 7 goals, 6 assists
Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, Nations League
The Portuguese playmaker was PSG’s heartbeat, controlling tempo and orchestrating attacks. His performances drew comparisons to Xavi, especially in the Champions League knockout stages and Portugal’s Nations League win.
5. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists
Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
A typically prolific season for Mbappé, but Real Madrid’s underwhelming end to the campaign, including their Champions League exit and La Liga stumble, diminished his overall impact. A top-five finish still seems certain.
4. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists
Trophies: Premier League
Salah returned to peak form to spearhead Liverpool’s charge back to domestic supremacy. Though his Ballon d’Or claim is undermined by Liverpool’s lack of European success, his influence under new management was undeniable.
3. Raphinha – Barcelona
Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
Barcelona’s domestic treble owed much to Raphinha’s clinical edge and creative flair. The Brazilian consistently delivered in clutch moments, making him a standout candidate from Spain’s top flight.
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists
Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa
At just 17, Yamal has become a generational talent, redefining expectations for teenage stars. But the sting of Spain’s defeat in the Nations League final, where he was largely neutralized, slightly dampens his soaring campaign.
1. Ousmane Dembélé – PSG
Stats: 35 goals, 15 assists
Trophies: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions
Once hailed for potential, Dembélé finally delivered on the biggest stage. His explosive contributions across competitions, particularly in PSG’s run to Champions League glory, have vaulted him to the top of the Ballon d’Or leaderboard. A long-awaited season of consistency, leadership, and silverware could be crowned with football’s highest individual honor.
Final Thoughts
With the official announcement drawing near, the 2025 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. PSG’s continental clean sweep has elevated multiple stars into contention, while Barcelona’s young talents and Premier League resurgence ensure a tightly packed race. If current momentum holds, Ousmane Dembélé may finally step into the spotlight—not just as a world-class winger, but as the world’s best footballer.