Ballon D’or is one of the most coveted and prestigious awards given to the prolific footballer of the year by the French Magazine “France Football”. Let us look at the updated list of contenders for the awards for the season 2024/25.
1. Raphinha (Barcelona & Brazil)
Raphinha has been instrumental in Barcelona’s resurgence this season. With 30 goals and 23 assists across all competitions, including 12 goals and 7 assists in the Champions League, he has propelled Barça to the top of La Liga and into the Champions League semi finals. His consistent performances have made him the current favorite for the Ballon d’Or.
2. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain & France)
Dembélé has enjoyed a career-best season or you can say a stellar 2025 standalone, leading PSG to an early Ligue 1 title with 21 goals and 5 assists in 27 games. His contributions have been pivotal in PSG’s Champions League campaign, where he has added 7 goals and 3 assists. His goal every 73 minutes is the best in the big five European leagues.
3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
Despite Liverpool’s early exit from the Champions League, Salah has maintained impressive form, recording 32 goals and 23 assists this season. His performances have kept Liverpool ahead of everybody for the Premier League title, bolstering his Ballon d’Or candidacy. Liverpool’s expulsion from UCL and Egypt’s not so lethal form will surely hurt Salah’s chances as before the exit, he was the sole and only choice for the Ballon D’or as he has been a class apart from others.
4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid has been marked by 34 goals across all competitions, including a notable hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. His contributions have been vital in Real Madrid’s domestic and European campaigns.
Although the start was not what he expected or any fans would have dreamed but the Frenchman has caught up and still has produced numbers despite being an off and on season.
But his recent performances have not been great as he failed to inspire any comeback against Arsenal in an electric affair in the champions league and was subject to jeering from the fans and also received a suspension in the La liga after a reckless tackle.
5. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
At just 17, Yamal has emerged as a generational talent for Barcelona. His impactful performances, including a crucial assist in a comeback win against Celta Vigo, have solidified his place as a key player in Barça’s title push. Scoring 14 goals across all competitions and a staggering 22 assists.
He has been the main creative outlet for Barcelona. A great part of the attack, he has been handed the playmaking and creative responsibilities. He plays a pivotal role in the buildup as well. Barcelona struggled without him and it was evident as Barca was not able to win matches regularly during a patch when Yamal was injured in November and December.
