Men’s 2025 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings: Will Ousmane Dembélé or Lamine Yamal Claim the Crown?
SME News UK. The wait is almost over. The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on Monday, September 22, and the football world is braced to see who will succeed Lionel Messi as the next holder of the game’s most prestigious individual award.With the voting period covering performances across the 2024/25 season, the die is already cast. Now, it’s simply a matter of anticipation before the winner is revealed. The debate has raged all year—particularly between Barcelona duo Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal—but only one name can be etched into history.Here is our final Top 10 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings ahead of the big night.10. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)No goalkeeper has won the Ballon d’Or since Lev Yashin in 1963, and Donnarumma is unlikely to break that drought despite a stellar season.The Italian produced plenty of standout moments, but without defining performances in the Champions League final or Club World Cup, he falls short of the near-impossible standards required for goalkeepers to win this award.9. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)Palmer was instrumental in Chelsea’s Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs, delivering when it mattered most.His finishing ability and calmness in big moments have drawn comparisons with the game’s greats, and pundits believe he is a future Ballon d’Or winner. For now, though, the absence of Champions League football and a major international tournament keeps him on the outside looking in.8. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)A debut season of 43 goals for Real Madrid would usually be enough to put Mbappé in contention. But without any major team trophies, even the French superstar knew his chances were slim—so much so that he has confirmed he won’t even attend the ceremony. His time will come, but 2025 isn’t his year.7. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)Mendes enjoyed an excellent season with PSG, capped by a UEFA Nations League win with Portugal. Arguably the best left-back in world football right now, his defensive solidity and attacking flair made him stand out. Still, as history shows, defenders rarely get the recognition they deserve at Ballon d’Or level.6. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)For much of the season, Salah looked destined to finally win the award. He spearheaded Liverpool’s Premier League triumph but fell short in the Champions League, while narrowly missing out on a record-breaking 20+ goals and 20+ assists season.Salah remains world-class, but without European or international success, the wait for a Ballon d’Or goes on.5. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)Hakimi continues to redefine the modern full-back role. His ability to attack inside or out wide, create chances, and chip in with goals makes him one of PSG’s most influential players.Though Mendes lifted silverware with Portugal, Hakimi’s overall impact was greater. Still, history suggests a Ballon d’Or for a defender will take something extraordinary.4. Raphinha (Barcelona)Once deemed expendable, Raphinha has become one of Barcelona’s leaders and most important players.His remarkable tally of 34 goals and 22 assists highlights both consistency and productivity. While his young teammate (ranked higher) may prevent him from ever lifting the Ballon d’Or, Raphinha’s rise has been inspirational—and he has cemented himself as a world-class performer.⚽ The Top 3 — featuring Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé — will be revealed shortly. Who will take the crown? Stay tuned.
