Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings: Who Are the Favorites Following the Nominations?

Scott McTominay’s inaugural season in Italy ended up even more successful than maybe he could have imagined. 12 goals across 34 appearances for Napoli, league MVP, and winning the Scudetto. He is on the Ballon d’Or shortlist for 2025 — the first Scot since Ally McCoist in 1987 and arguably the biggest footballing success in Scotland in almost 40 years.

14. Jude Bellingham

Playing as Real Madrid’s number 10, Jude Bellingham scored 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. His influence on the game and effective attacking transitions made him one of the best midfielders in Europe. He has been consistent all season and is at the center of Madrid’s hope on all fronts.

13. Pedri

Back to his best, Pedri was key to Barcelona’s domestic double, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. In April he was La Liga’s Player of the Month and top of Europe in possession recoveries. He was the only player in the top 5 leagues to complete over 1,000 passes in the final third ,  an elite engine for Barça’s return to form.

12. Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer had a season no one saw coming with Chelsea. He was top of the Premier League in goal involvements with 27 goals and 15 assists and stole the show in the 2025 Club World Cup final, scoring twice and assisting another in the 3–0 win over PSG. Player of the Tournament, Palmer’s all-round brilliance puts him in the Ballon d’Or mix.

11. Harry Kane

Harry Kane found his form with Bayern Munich, top of the Bundesliga in goals (26) and 34 total goal contributions, second most in Europe’s top 5 leagues. He helped Bayern win the league and finally gave Kane his first major club trophy.

10. Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski showed in 2024-25 that age is just a number, still finding the back of the net 44 times and adding five assists to help Barcelona win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España titles. Lewandowski was able to give Hansi Flick the type of player he has been for most of his career and remind Europe why he is still one of the best No. 9s in the game.

9. Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior had 19 goal involvements in La Liga (11 goals and 8 assists), but he saw a dip in form towards the last few games of the season. Analysts pointed to tactical changes following Kylian Mbappé’s arrival and off-pitch distractions as the reasons for this. Regardless, he was still one of Madrid’s most potent weapons.

8. Desire Doue

Desire Doue had a stellar debut season at PSG in 2024-25, netting 16 goals and 16 assists despite only starting in 18 of the 38 appearances. Despite being utilized somewhat sparingly at other times, he was bright when called upon, contributing directly to PSG's Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions titles, including as the star of the show in the finals.

Also Read: Ballon d’Or Nominations 2025: All Nominees, Categories, Awards, Date & Everything You Need to Know

7. Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé was absolutely lethal in front of goal, recording 31 goals in La Liga and 44 in all competitions in his first season with Real Madrid . While his individual contribution was outstanding, he has very few chances to win the Ballon d’Or because trophies can be the difference between a good season and a great season for the Ballon d’Or race.

6. Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi was electric down the right for PSG. He was defensively solid and he has the attacking threat to go with. His contribution of 8 goals and 13 assists was crucial for their treble-winning run and certainly set the benchmark for what is expected of a full-back. Additionally, he was the first full-back to be in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or in several years.

5. Vitinha

Vitinha was the engine behind PSG’s treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League). No player completed more passes in this season’s Champions League and he was second in distance covered. The midfielder’s work rate and passing was highlighted by an assist in the Champions League final, he is the tactical heartbeat of the team.

4. Raphinha

Raphinha had a season to remember with Barcelona: 34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions. He equalled Lionel Messi’s record for most goal involvements in a single Champions League season (20), finishing as joint-top scorer with 13 and top assist provider with 9. He was Barça’s main man on the European stage.

3. Mohamed Salah

Salah had a season for the history books, matching the all-time Premier League record for goal involvements with 47 (29 goals, 18 assists) — and he did it in just 38 games. Liverpool fell short in cups and Europe but Salah was unstoppable in the league.

2. Lamine Yamal

At 18, Lamine Yamal was incredible. With 18 goals and 21 assists, there is no doubt about his contribution to his team’s domestic double, and he was awarded the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy. At Euro 2024, he won the Goal of the Tournament, had most assists, and was one of the Team of the Tournament selections. He’s clearly a generational talent and the natural successor to Barça’s number 10.

1. Ousmane Dembélé

Dembélé had the season of his life in 2024–25. 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 games, he was PSG’s main man in their treble-winning campaign. Ligue 1 Player of the Year, his pace, skill and consistency across all competitions made him the 2025 Ballon d’Or favourite.

Also Read: Ballon d’Or Nominations 2025: How Are the Nominees Selected?