Frank Christian
The Ballon d’Or, regarded as the highest individual honor in global football, is a central topic during each season.
Presented by France Football in the autumn to recognize the best player from August to July of the prior season, the Ballon d’Or celebrates outstanding football talent worldwide. An annual ceremony, now co-organized with UEFA, honors both male and female players, alongside various other awards.
Rodri’s 2024 victory raised eyebrows, but following his ACL injury early in the current season, the race for the 2025 award is up for grabs. Elite performers like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. are expected to be key players again, though new contenders have emerged.
While success in top European leagues helps players climb the ranking, the UEFA Champions League often plays a pivotal role in determining the eventual award winners.
The Sporting News will continuously update this page throughout 2025, tracking the progress of those vying for the esteemed accolade.
Ballon d’Or 2025: Notable Contenders
Below are the leading ten players in the running for the Ballon d’Or, ranked according to The Sporting News projections if the season concluded today.
Rankings, statistics, and analyses as of Friday, May 16, 2025.
10) Michael Olise (RW, Bayern Munich)
Michael Olise has surprisingly maintained a low profile this season; however, he has been one of Bayern Munich’s most reliable performers throughout the campaign. His consistency places him just ahead of those who faded toward the end, such as Florian Wirtz.
Olise demonstrated his talent with notable goals against Celtic in the Champions League and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and has excelled creatively. Leading the Bundesliga in assists, he created three more than any other player, while boasting an impressive xG+xA of nearly 1.0 per 90 minutes.
Bayern Munich relied heavily on Olise for production, especially as Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane faced fitness issues, with Olise logging almost 2,200 minutes in Bundesliga play and over 3,300 across all competitions. His contributions were invaluable.
Michael Olise stats 2024/25
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Bundesliga | 33 | 11 | 17 |
| Champions League | 14 | 5 | 2 |
| DFB-Pokal | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 49 | 16 | 20 |
9) Jude Bellingham (MF, Real Madrid)
Though Jude Bellingham may not have the eye-catching goal and assist records he achieved during his debut season in Spain, his influence on Real Madrid’s pursuit of multiple trophies has remained significant.
With Kylian Mbappe joining the squad, Bellingham transitioned to a more traditional midfield role and has thrived. His statistical performance ranks him in the top five percent of European midfielders in various passing metrics, successful dribbles, progressive passes, carries, and tackles, showcasing his versatility and importance on the field.
While a decline in attacking stats might hinder his chances for the Ballon d’Or, his tally of 13 goals and 14 assists demonstrates his substantial contribution. It is evident that Jude Bellingham stands out as one of the finest midfielders globally.
Nevertheless, failing to secure any trophies in what is his second season with Real Madrid is disappointing, compounded by receiving multiple red cards for emotional outbursts.
Jude Bellingham stats 2024/25
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 30 | 8 | 9 |
| Champions League | 13 | 3 | 3 |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 50 | 13 | 14 |
8) Julian Alvarez (FW, Atletico Madrid)
Julian Alvarez’s initial season at Atletico Madrid has propelled the team into a position to contend for various trophies and has left Manchester City regretting their decision to let him go last summer.
The 25-year-old has integrated perfectly into Atletico’s system, netting 22 goals and providing five assists in all competitions, despite the more pragmatic style of play. While he faced some inconsistency in domestic matches, Alvarez excelled in the Champions League, scoring seven goals in nine games.
His ability to finish consistently, combined with his passing skills and defensive contributions, earns him a rightful spot on this list, even if he isn’t quite at the level to genuinely contend for the award.
The unfortunate penalty miss in the shootout against Real Madrid was particularly harsh, and along with Atletico’s early Champions League exit and struggles in La Liga, Alvarez’s chances at the award have diminished.
Julian Alvarez stats 2024/25
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 35 | 15 | 2 |
| Champions League | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| Copa del Rey | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 52 | 27 | 5 |
7) Robert Lewandowski (CF, Barcelona)
By the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, many believed that at 35, Robert Lewandowski’s best days were behind him. While a tally of nineteen goals and eight assists in La Liga was commendable, it didn’t meet his usual standard.
His shots per game plummeted from 4.25 in the previous season to 2.98, limiting his opportunities to score and impacting his ability to convert chances.
However, as of March 2025, reports of his decline have proven to be overstated. Lewandowski’s shooting frequency has returned to near his previous averages, and his finishing…
at a remarkable pace despite rarely being involved in play outside the penalty box. This effectiveness can largely be attributed to Hansi Flick’s attacking philosophy, yet Lewandowski’s capacity to thrive in such an environment is undeniable.
Even during a scoring drought late in 2024, Lewandowski exceeded his previous season’s goal count and remains a prominent figure in La Liga and on the European stage. His performance this season has been a striking comeback, placing him squarely in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, though it is often difficult for a traditional striker to compete against players noted for their creative contributions alongside their goals.
Unfortunately, a hamstring injury at a critical juncture has likely curtailed his pursuit of more accolades for the Ballon d’Or, with his notable play resuming only after Barcelona clinched the league title and their European run had concluded.
Robert Lewandowski statistics 2024/25
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 32 | 25 | 2 |
| Champions League | 13 | 11 | 0 |
| Copa del Rey | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 50 | 40 | 3 |
6) Harry Kane (CF, Bayern Munich)
Now at 31, Harry Kane has moved past the quest for his first major trophy, showcasing his brilliance in his second season with Bayern Munich.
Kane embodies the ideal striker for any coach, displaying a variety of skills at the forefront of the offense. He has netted 25 goals in 30 league appearances and another 11 in European competition, but his strengths lie beyond just scoring. His hold-up play, adeptness in quick counter-attacks, and proficiency in penalties make him a multifaceted and formidable forward.
While he may not excel in pressing, the presence of dynamic wingers and midfielders at Bayern compensates for this limitation. Both Kane and Lewandowski have achieved 30 goals in their domestic league and Champions League matches; however, Kane has reached this mark with only 24.37 expected goals (xG) compared to Lewandowski’s 30.26 xG, indicating he has capitalized on lower-quality chances. Moreover, Kane’s nine assists highlight a clear distinction in their contributions.
Bayern Munich’s early exit from the Champions League against Inter Milan leaves Kane without European competition, potentially diminishing the narrative surrounding his statistics as Barcelona strives for a strong finish.
Harry Kane statistics 2024/25
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Bundesliga | 30 | 25 | 9 |
| Champions League | 13 | 11 | 2 |
| DFB-Pokal | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 45 | 37 | 12 |
5) Kylian Mbappe (FW, Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappe’s debut season at Real Madrid got off to a sluggish start, but the initial concerns proved exaggerated. He has since come into his own, emerging as the standout player in a team filled with stars.
Despite a rocky start, where his early performances were scrutinized, Mbappe now boasts 28 goals and four assists this season, placing him at the top of the Pichichi trophy rankings in La Liga. While his playmaking has decreased, it is understandable as he has taken on the central striker role within the team.
His early struggles stemmed from a clash of positions with teammates, particularly Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Fortunately, synergy among the Madrid forwards appears to be improving, though their disappointing exit from the Champions League quarterfinals casts doubt on Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or aspirations, despite his league success.
With Real Madrid likely finishing the season without any silverware and the perception that Mbappe’s arrival may have negatively affected the production of Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham, his quest for the prestigious award seems all but over. However, a strong finish in the league will still keep him relevant in the discussion.
Kylian Mbappe statistics 2024/25
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 32 | 28 | 3 |
| Champions League | 14 | 7 | 1 |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 53 | 39 | 4 |
4) Lamine Yamal (FW, Barcelona)
After securing the 2023/24 Kopa Trophy as the world’s top young talent, Lamine Yamal has made significant strides in the 2024/25 season. Although he faced a minor slump during the season, he has rebounded impressively with a strong finish.
At just 17 years old, he began the year strong with five goals and seven assists in his first 12 appearances in La Liga, along with contributing in Barcelona’s initial Champions League matches. He shone in the knockout stages with three goal contributions and scored a crucial goal in an exhilarating match against Atletico Madrid.
Despite a slow initial phase, Lamine Yamal has vaulted up the rankings with a stellar second half to the season. His confidence is remarkable, and he continues to impress, even when he doesn’t directly contribute to goals.
This Barcelona prodigy seems destined not only for future Kopa Trophies but also for broader acclaim. Even though Barcelona fell short in the semifinals, he has done more than enough to establish himself as a current standout and a future superstar.
Lamine Yamal statistics 2024/25
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 33 | 8 | 15 |
| Champions League | 13 | 5 | 4 |
| Copa del Rey | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 53 | 17 | 25 |
3) Mohamed Salah (RW, Liverpool)
For a significant portion of the season, it appeared that Mohamed Salah was untouchable in the Ballon d’Or race…until Liverpool faced an early Champions League exit in the Round of 16.
Moreover, Salah was notably ineffective during both matches against PSG, being effectively marked by Nuno Mendes throughout the entire tie.
Nonetheless, Salah has demonstrated exceptional talent this season. The Egyptian forward boasts a remarkable record, with…
With a total of 56 goal contributions this season, comprising 33 goals and 23 assists, his standout performance has been in the Premier League, where he netted 27 goals in 29 appearances, including multiple goals against teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, along with significant strikes against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and twice against Manchester United.
However, there are two significant concerns regarding Salah’s current candidacy. Firstly, his Champions League performance has been lackluster, which is crucial since European matches attract the most attention and tend to influence voters heavily, as befits the continent’s top competition.
Secondly, he will lack substantial international or club chances during the summer to enhance his credentials. With African international football taking a break in the late summer and Liverpool not participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, other players might take advantage of international events to improve their chances for the award. Salah will have to rely on his club achievements and hope that others don’t shine on the international stage.
Given these factors, Salah’s poor run in the Champions League impacts his candidacy even more than usual. As the season winds down with Liverpool lacking competitive urgency, it appears his Ballon d’Or hopes are dwindling.
Mohamed Salah stats 2024/25
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 36 | 28 | 18 |
| Champions League | 9 | 3 | 4 |
| FA Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 50 | 33 | 23 |
2) Ousmane Dembele (FW, Paris Saint-Germain)
Ousmane Dembele has been quietly crafting a strong season across Europe. This changed when PSG eliminated Liverpool and previous favorite Salah, drawing attention to the 27-year-old France international’s breakout performance.
Despite the competition level in Ligue 1, where Dembele has tallied 21 goals and provided eight assists (including a stunning streak of 16 goals in 11 matches from mid-December to mid-March), he has also excelled in the Champions League.
After a slow start, Dembele thrived as 2025 began, scoring six goals in the last two league matches and the initial knockout tie. He may not have registered a goal against Liverpool, but he was the standout performer, hindered only by PSG’s struggles to finish their chances.
Dembele’s ability to produce exceptional numbers, even amidst a crowded PSG attacking line-up, is impressive. If PSG had exited Europe early, it would have severely hampered his chances for this accolade, as local success alone isn’t enough. However, with their progression to the semifinals, the spotlight is now on him.
With Raphinha and Barcelona knocked out following their upset against Inter, Dembele now has the opportunity to claim the top spot. Though he didn’t heavily influence the semifinal second leg, he likely needs a standout performance in the Champions League final to secure the award.
Ousmane Dembele stats 2024/25
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Ligue 1 | 28 | 21 | 8 |
| Champions League | 14 | 8 | 4 |
| Coupe de France | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Trophee des Champions | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 46 | 33 | 13 |
1) Raphinha (FW, Barcelona)
Together with Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha has emerged as one of the most underrated talents this season. Within his own team, renowned players like Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal seem to overshadow him, yet no one in football possesses a higher potential than him.
Since joining Barcelona, Raphinha has maintained a steady level of productivity, ultimately finding a new rhythm under Hansi Flick. His 18 goals and 11 assists in La Liga have been crucial for Barcelona’s domestic title run, while his 13 goals and nine assists in the Champions League add weight to his Ballon d’Or appeal.
A notable hat-trick against Bayern Munich stands out, alongside critical goals against Benfica, including the decisive one in their Round of 16 first leg, another against Borussia Dortmund, and two assists against Atalanta during the league stage, showcasing his big-game ability.
While Salah’s assist tally is impressive, it’s important to note that Raphinha has created more chances and has a higher expected assists (xA), indicating the brilliance of Liverpool’s other forwards may have played a part in the assist gap. Raphinha’s importance to Barcelona is immense as they aim for a significant treble.
With Salah’s Liverpool facing elimination from the Champions League coinciding with Raphinha’s standout performance against Benfica, it appears the race for the award is now narrowed to him and Dembele. Raphinha had scored in five consecutive UCL matches leading up to the first leg against Inter Milan, and although his scoring streak came to an end due to a technicality, he contributed significantly with a crucial goal in the second leg, leveling his tally for the season at 21 contributions, tying with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most in a single Champions League campaign.
However, setbacks in Europe have significantly impacted his chances, allowing players like Dembele an opportunity to grab the award. Additionally, a lackluster performance in Brazil’s 4-1 qualifying loss to Argentina didn’t assist his case, and he may need to carry the national team this summer in World Cup qualifiers to solidify his standing.
Raphinha stats 2024/25
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 34 | 18 | 11 |
| Champions League | 14 | 13 | 9 |
| Copa del Rey | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 55 | 34 | 25 |
Honorable Mention:
Narrowing down to just 10 players for Ballon d’Or consideration excludes many deserving candidates who, although may not have a realistic shot at winning, still merit recognition for their outstanding performances this season.
As one of last year’s main contenders for this award—so much so that
Real Madrid opted not to attend the ceremony in response to their player’s second-place ranking — it’s surprising that Vinicius Jr. doesn’t even make the Top 10. The Brazilian is undoubtedly among the elite in football, but he hasn’t quite matched his exceptional performance from last season, particularly after a disappointing display against Arsenal in their Champions League quarterfinal elimination. With the likelihood of a trophy-less season for Real Madrid, his chances of recognition are dwindling.
Another forward who narrowly missed the list is Florian Wirtz, who shone brightly until March but was hindered by an injury along with Bayer Leverkusen’s exit from competitions, affecting his form later in the season. If this turns out to be his final campaign with the Bundesliga side, he certainly deserves a lucrative move given the interest from top clubs across Europe. Serhou Guirassy from Borussia Dortmund keeps finding the net, but BVB’s poor league performance means he won’t be in the spotlight unless they achieve some remarkable results in Europe.
Ademola Lookman and Jamal Musiala have also had outstanding seasons, but Lookman’s chances for the award have likely diminished following Atalanta’s exit from the Champions League, while Musiala’s torn hamstring in early April has tragically cut his campaign short.
It is understandable how challenging it is for defenders and midfielders to break into the upper tiers of recognition, and currently, The Sporting News has no defensive players listed. Nonetheless, a mention is warranted for Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, who has delivered an exceptional performance at the back for the Reds, even as the team struggled in the Champions League due to a lack of offensive power.
Another standout in defense is Gabriel from Arsenal, who has showcased his skills not just defensively but also poses a significant aerial threat during set pieces. Unfortunately, like Musiala, his season has been cut short due to injury.
In the midfield, Rodri‘s injury has created opportunities for others to enter the discussion. Creative talents like Dominik Szoboszlai and Bruno Fernandes have had outstanding seasons, while the pool of defensive midfielders has few names worthy of mention. Federico Valverde, too, has had an impressive campaign across multiple roles, but his contributions have largely gone unnoticed on the global stage.
