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Who Will Win the Ballon d'Or 2025?

The 2025 Ballon d'Or race is heating up with Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham leading the charge. Full analysis, stats, and prediction
Who Will Win the Ballon d'Or 2025?


There have been many unexpected turns in the 2025 Ballon d'Or race. A new generation was excited by early predictions, but as the trophies were removed, a new group of superstars appeared. Who are the actual favorites to be named the best player in the world, and who was once picked to win? This is the full breakdown.

Table of Contents

Overview: What Is the Ballon d'Or?

Many of the predictions made at the beginning of the 2024–25 campaign were predicated on a possible paradigm shift. A surprising winner was suggested by speculative analysis after Paris Saint-Germain finally conquered Europe, one of the most talked-about hypothetical scenarios.

The entire argument in favor of a player like Ousmane Dembélé was based on the fictitious idea that he would play a key role in PSG's historic, treble-winning season. It was argued that he would be the clear winner if he accomplished what Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé were unable to. But this story never came to pass.

Top Favorites for the 2025 Ballon d'Or

Based on actual achievements from the 2024-2025 season, the leading candidates for the Ballon d'Or are:

  1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): The favourite. He was the top scorer and best player in Bayern Munich's victorious Champions League campaign and also won the Bundesliga top scorer award. His trophy success combined with immense individual statistics makes him the frontrunner.

  2. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): A primary challenger. He was Real Madrid's standout player in their La Liga-winning season and their run to the Champions League final, scoring crucial goals throughout both competitions.

  3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Another strong candidate from the Spanish champions. While perhaps not as explosive as in his debut season, he was a vital part of a double-winning (La Liga, Supercopa de España) and UCL-finalist team.

  4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Won La Liga in his first season with the club and was a key contributor to their European campaign. His goal-scoring record keeps him firmly in the conversation.

  5. Phil Foden (Manchester City): Named Premier League Player of the Season for leading Manchester City to the title with exceptional goals and assists. A lack of European success is the only factor holding him back from the top spots.

The Reality - How the 2024-25 Season Actually Unfolded

It turned out that the predictions of a season dominated by PSG were wrong. The landscape of the Ballon d'Or race was drastically altered when other European giants eventually won the major trophies.

Bayern Munich won the UEFA Champions League after defeating Real Madrid in the championship match.

Real Madrid won La Liga.

Manchester City won the Premier League.

With these outcomes, the initial excitement surrounding players from teams like PSG subsided, and the teams that took home the season's top honors became the real candidates for the Ballon d'Or.

2025 Ballon d'Or Nominees

Full Nominee List on France Football

Best Player in 2025

At the first FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Cole Palmer was named the best player. Ousmane Dembélé is the front-runner for the Ballon d'Or because of his versatility, goals, and consistency.

Who Is Likely to Win?

Favorites: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior.

Ceremony Date

Messi vs Ronaldo: Ballon d'Or Titles

Who Nominates?

The editorial staff of France Football creates the shortlist. The voting process is then supervised byFrance Football and involves journalists from the top 100 FIFA member nations.

Previous Winners

Why Not Messi?

Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS. It is unlikely that he will be nominated because the Ballon d'Or increasingly values decisive trophies and elite European competition.

Is Yamal Nominated?

Indeed! Among this year's youngest and most intriguing nominees is Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Football King in 2025?

There isn't a single king, but because of their significant accomplishments, Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Vinícius Júnior are included in the debate.

Fastest Player in 2025?

With a top speed of 38 km/h, Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid continues to hold the top spot. In professional football, his lightning-fast speed sets records.

Is Ronaldo Nominated?

Cristiano Ronaldo's move outside of the top leagues in Europe diminished his chances of being nominated in 2025.

No.1 FIFA Rankings?

Argentina is at the top of the FIFA World Rankings as of August 2025. View rankings

Ballon d'Or Prize?

Winners of the Ballon d'Or do not receive a cash payout. The trophy alone is worth about €3,000 ($2,950). Source AS.com

Super Ballon d'Or?

Alfredo Di Stéfano was the only recipient of the coveted "Super Ballon d'Or" for lifetime achievement in 1989.

Will Dembele Win?

If current trends continue, Ousmane Dembélé is widely regarded as the most likely winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Vote for Your Winner!

Who do you think should win the Ballon d'Or 2025?

  • Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
  • Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
  • Raphinha (Barcelona)
  • Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
  • Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
  • Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
  • Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Have your say below and join the global debate! All information is taken from reputable websites such as France Football, Wikipedia, and news portals.

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