Ballon d’Or 2025: Top 10 Nominees Revealed as the Race for Football’s Biggest Prize Heats Up

The football world is buzzing with anticipation as France Football has officially confirmed the top 10 nominees for the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, with positions 11th to 30th already announced. The prestigious award, recognizing the world’s best male footballer for the 2024-25 season, will crown its winner at a glittering ceremony on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The top 10 contenders, listed alphabetically, are Ousmane Dembélé (France), Lamine Yamal (Spain), Raphinha (Brazil), Vitinha (Portugal), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Cole Palmer (England), Kylian Mbappé (France), Nuno Mendes (Portugal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), and Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy). Each player has delivered exceptional performances, but only one will claim the coveted golden ball. Here’s a deep dive into the contenders, their achievements, and the factors that could shape the final rankings.

The Top 10 Contenders

Ousmane Dembélé (France, PSG)

Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as a leading favorite after a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old winger was instrumental in PSG’s historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, alongside Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. Dembélé’s staggering 35 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, combined with his flair and consistency, have made him a standout. His pivotal role in France’s Nations League campaign further bolsters his case. With an average match rating of 7.85, Dembélé’s blend of creativity and end product positions him as a frontrunner, though some argue his individual brilliance might be overshadowed by PSG’s collective strength.

Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm, earning a spot among the elite. The Barcelona prodigy contributed 47 goal involvements (28 goals, 19 assists) across all competitions, helping his club secure La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. His performances in the UEFA Champions League, where Barcelona reached the semi-finals, were equally impressive, with an average match rating of 7.91. Yamal’s youth and fearless playstyle, coupled with his starring role for Spain at the UEFA European Championship, make him a strong contender. If he wins, he would become the youngest Ballon d’Or recipient in history, surpassing Lionel Messi’s record.

Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)

Raphinha’s resurgence has been one of the stories of the season. The Brazilian winger played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic double (La Liga and Copa del Rey) and their Champions League campaign, where they fell just short of the final. His 21 goal contributions (12 goals, 9 assists) in Europe’s premier competition showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. Raphinha’s work rate, versatility, and leadership at 28 years old have earned him widespread praise. However, his slightly lower goal tally compared to some rivals might challenge his chances of topping the list.

Vitinha (Portugal, PSG)

PSG’s midfield maestro Vitinha has quietly built a compelling case for the Ballon d’Or. The 25-year-old Portuguese star was the heartbeat of PSG’s treble-winning side, dictating play with his vision and precision. His 10 goals and 15 assists in Ligue 1, alongside standout performances in the Champions League, highlight his all-around impact. Vitinha’s contributions to Portugal’s Nations League success add further weight to his nomination. While not as flashy as some attacking peers, his consistency and influence in big matches make him a dark horse.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG)

Achraf Hakimi’s inclusion reflects the growing recognition of full-backs in modern football. The 25-year-old Moroccan was a driving force in PSG’s treble, contributing 8 goals and 12 assists from the right flank. His pace, defensive solidity, and attacking output were crucial in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Hakimi also shone for Morocco in international competitions, earning praise for his leadership. As one of the best in his position, Hakimi’s case is strong, though defenders historically face an uphill battle for the top prize.

Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)

Cole Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea, earning a deserved spot in the top 10. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was named the best player at the Club World Cup, where Chelsea triumphed, and his 25 goals and 18 assists across all competitions underscored his importance to the team. Palmer’s composure, creativity, and knack for decisive moments have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Despite England’s mixed international campaign, Palmer’s individual brilliance and trophy haul make him a serious contender.

Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappé, a perennial Ballon d’Or candidate, remains in the conversation despite a challenging season at Real Madrid. The 26-year-old forward scored 32 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions, but Real Madrid’s failure to win major trophies—losing La Liga to Barcelona and exiting the Champions League in the quarter-finals—may hurt his chances. Mbappé’s individual brilliance, including a standout performance in France’s Nations League campaign, keeps him in the race, but he faces stiff competition from players with stronger team achievements.

Nuno Mendes (Portugal, PSG)

Another PSG star, Nuno Mendes, rounds out the club’s strong representation. The 23-year-old left-back was a defensive rock and attacking threat during PSG’s treble-winning campaign, contributing 5 goals and 10 assists. His performances in the Champions League, where he neutralized some of the world’s best wingers, earned him widespread acclaim. Mendes also played a key role for Portugal internationally. Like Hakimi, his position as a defender might limit his chances, but his impact cannot be understated.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah continues to defy expectations at 33, leading Europe’s top five leagues with 47 goal involvements (30 goals, 17 assists) in the 2024-25 season. His record-breaking Premier League campaign saw him set new benchmarks for consistency and goal-scoring. However, Liverpool’s early Champions League exit and lack of major trophies could weigh against him. Salah’s individual brilliance and leadership for Egypt in international competitions keep him in the top 10, but he may fall short of the top spot due to team success being a key voting criterion.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, PSG)

As the only goalkeeper in the top 10, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s inclusion is a testament to his exceptional season. The 26-year-old Italian kept a 34% clean sheet rate in Ligue 1 and was pivotal in PSG’s Champions League triumph, making crucial saves in high-stakes matches. Donnarumma’s leadership and consistency for Italy in the Nations League further strengthen his case. While goalkeepers rarely win the Ballon d’Or—Lev Yashin remains the only one to do so in 1963—Donnarumma’s performances have put him firmly in the conversation.

The Race for the Top Spot

The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is one of the most open in recent memory, with no clear favorite dominating the narrative. Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal are frequently cited as frontrunners, with Dembélé’s treble and Yamal’s historic individual stats giving them an edge. However, the strong PSG contingent—Dembélé, Vitinha, Hakimi, Mendes, and Donnarumma—could split votes, potentially benefiting players like Yamal or Salah. Cole Palmer’s Club World Cup heroics and Raphinha’s Champions League performances add further intrigue, while Mbappé’s star power keeps him in contention despite Real Madrid’s struggles.

Voter preferences, which include journalists from FIFA’s top 100 nations, will play a crucial role. Team success, individual statistics, and moments of brilliance are all factored in, but the weighting of these criteria varies. For instance, PSG’s treble could give their players an advantage, but Yamal’s youth and record-breaking season might sway voters looking for a narrative-defining winner. Defenders like Hakimi and Mendes, and goalkeeper Donnarumma, face historical biases but could benefit from modern appreciation for non-attacking roles.

Key Stats and Achievements

• Ousmane Dembélé: 35 goals, 14 assists, PSG treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League), France Nations League.
• Lamine Yamal: 28 goals, 19 assists, La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, 7.91 average match rating.
• Raphinha: 12 goals, 9 assists in Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey.
• Vitinha: 10 goals, 15 assists, PSG treble, Portugal Nations League.
• Achraf Hakimi: 8 goals, 12 assists, PSG treble, Morocco international standout.
• Cole Palmer: 25 goals, 18 assists, Club World Cup best player, Chelsea domestic success.
• Kylian Mbappé: 32 goals, 10 assists, France Nations League, no major club trophies.
• Nuno Mendes: 5 goals, 10 assists, PSG treble, Portugal Nations League.
• Mohamed Salah: 30 goals, 17 assists, Premier League record-breaker, no major club trophies.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: 34% clean sheet rate, PSG treble, Italy Nations League.

What’s Next?

The final rankings will be unveiled tonight at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where the football world will gather to celebrate the best of the 2024-25 season. The ceremony will also honor the Women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), and other awards. With such a diverse and talented top 10, the outcome is far from certain. Will Dembélé’s treble heroics secure him the crown? Can Yamal make history as the youngest winner? Or will a surprise candidate like Palmer or Salah steal the show?

As the clock ticks down to the announcement, fans and analysts alike are debating who deserves to lift the golden ball. Share your thoughts—who do you think should win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and why?