As the wait for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 semi-finals continues, with just one month left in the season—an ideal moment to update our rankings for the leading contenders of the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
10. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
A few months ago, Mohamed Salah was a top Ballon d’Or contender. His exceptional Premier League stats keep him in the top 10, with 28 goals and 18 assists in 34 matches—his best individual season in the league. However, international trophies play a major role in Ballon d’Or voting. Despite Liverpool claiming the English title, their early exit from the Champions League and failure to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup hurt Salah’s chances of winning the award.
9. Vitinha (PSG)
The Portuguese midfielder for PSG holds his place in the rankings. After an unexpected top-30 finish last year, Vitinha has an excellent chance to improve his position this season. As PSG’s midfield leader, he has been indispensable, notably in a challenging 1-1 draw with Nantes, where he led in distance covered and scored a goal. If PSG wins the Champions League, Vitinha will be a major Ballon d’Or contender.
8. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Lautaro Martinez has a chance to redeem himself after being snubbed from the Ballon d’Or top 3 in previous years, despite winning Serie A and the Copa America. His season began slowly, with Marcus Thuram initially outshining him, but Lautaro is once again a key figure for Inter. His two crucial goals against Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals have made him Inter’s primary hope heading into matches against Barcelona.
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7. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
As La Liga’s top scorer, Lewandowski remains in Ballon d’Or contention, but his chances are hindered by his absence from both the Champions League semi-finals and upcoming La Liga fixtures. Despite scoring 40 goals in 48 matches, Lewandowski’s importance to Barcelona has been overshadowed by the contributions of other attacking players, notably Ferran Torres. For now, Lewandowski is ranked seventh.
6. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka has proven crucial to Arsenal’s success this season. Despite a few months lost to injury, his return has been a game-changer, particularly in the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, where he played a decisive role. Although he’s still finding his best form, Saka has netted 11 goals and registered 14 assists in 31 appearances, making him one of the season’s standout players.
5. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri makes his debut in our rankings at fifth place! After overcoming persistent injuries, Pedri has been a joy to watch, providing crucial creativity and vision for Barcelona. While his goal and assist stats aren’t extraordinary, his playmaking ability is unmatched, making him the brain of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. Recently named La Liga’s Player of the Month for April, Pedri is one of the most influential players in Europe.
4. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Declan Rice has stormed into the top ranks with his remarkable performances, especially in the Champions League against Real Madrid. His two sensational free-kicks in the first leg were game-changers, and he was named Man of the Match at the Bernabeu without scoring. A vital cog in Arsenal’s midfield, Rice has established himself as indispensable, and if Arsenal lifts the Champions League, he’ll be a serious Ballon d’Or contender.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has had a profound impact on Barcelona’s season. His injury earlier in the season coincided with Barcelona’s slump in form, underscoring just how essential he is to the team. His two assists in the Spanish Cup final were vital, and if he continues his stellar performances, a top-3 finish in the Ballon d’Or is well within reach. Yamal could even become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history.
2. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Ousmane Dembélé’s transformation has been one of the season’s most inspiring stories. After years of struggle, he has become one of the world’s best players. With 32 goals and 12 assists in 44 matches, Dembélé has been exceptional, particularly in 2025. If PSG reaches the Champions League final and wins the Club World Cup, Dembélé will be among the leading Ballon d’Or contenders.
1. Raphinha (Barcelona)
No change at the top—Raphinha remains the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Despite a lackluster performance in the Spanish Cup final, the Brazilian’s contributions throughout the season have been outstanding. With 30 goals and 23 assists in 50 matches, including 12 goals and 7 assists in the Champions League, Raphinha’s stats are nearly unbeatable. If Barcelona clinches the treble, Raphinha will undoubtedly be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner.
