Who Will Win The Ballon d’Or
The 2025 Ballon d’Or is fast approaching, and the football world is already buzzing with predictions. With 30 nominees announced by France Football and UEFA, the competition is fierce. Among them, three names stand out: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.
Each has made a strong case, but which one is most likely to win? This article breaks down the top contenders, their performances and trophies, and why Ousmane Dembélé has the edge to claim the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
Top Nominees: The Contenders
According to the full list of men’s Ballon d’Or nominees for 2025, some of the key candidates are: Jude Bellingham, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Raphinha, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembélé.
Here’s how Dembélé, Yamal, and Raphinha stack up.
Lamine Yamal: The Young Prodigy
- At only 17-18 years old during the 2024-25 season, Yamal has already made a huge impact for Barcelona.
- In La Liga 2024-25: 35 appearances, 9 goals and 13 assists.
- Key moments: scored a memorable goal in the Champions League semi-final first leg vs Inter, helping Barcelona to draw 3-3. He also scored vs Real Madrid in a big Clásico and played a pivotal leadership role despite his age.
- Awards and trophies: Yamal won La Liga 2024-25 with Barça, and the Copa del Rey. He also won the Spanish Supercup.
- Pros: Youth, flair, consistency, big-match moments.
- Cons: Fewer trophies compared to some rivals; Barcelona didn’t win the Champions League. Also slight injury concerns this new season.
Raphinha: The Dark Horse
- Raphinha has also been nominated and is among strong contenders.
- His performances are impressive, especially in La Liga with Barcelona, contributing goals and assists, and stepping up in big matches.
However, while he has individual brilliance, his trophy haul is less extensive compared to Dembélé’s. That may hamper his chances with voters who tend to favor title winners.
Ousmane Dembélé: The Leading Candidate
Here’s why Ousmane Dembélé has the strongest case:
1. Outstanding Individual Performance
- In 2024-25, playing for PSG, Dembélé scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.
- He was joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals.
- He also earned the Player of the Season award in Ligue 1, and was included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season.
2. Trophy Haul and Big Wins
- Dembélé was instrumental in PSG’s 2024-25 season which culminated in a continental treble: Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
- In the Champions League final vs Inter Milan, he provided two assists.
- He also won the French Super Cup and helped PSG win more domestic trophies, adding to his silverware collection.
3. Recognition by Peers and Media
- He won the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season for 2024-25.
- He has also picked up other individual awards and is viewed by many analysts as the frontrunner.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
While Lamine Yamal is phenomenal and Raphinha is very strong, the combination of dominant team success + excellent individual contribution gives Ousmane Dembélé the crucial edge.
Voters tend to value trophies highly, especially when matched with consistent statistics. Dembélé’s treble with PSG, plus his scoring, assists, and clutch moments in big matches, make him the most deserving.
Why Ousmane Dembélé Deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or
- He didn’t only shine individually; he led his team to the biggest title in club football, the Champions League, and won every major domestic trophy.
- His goal contributions were among the best in Europe, and he showed up in knockout stages and finals.
- The Ballon d’Or criteria (performance, team achievement, big moments) align perfectly with his season.
After analyzing the top arguments:
- Lamine Yamal is special and might be the next generational star.
- Raphinha deserves credit and will get votes.
- But Ousmane Dembélé is the one who has delivered both in numbers and trophies the most.
So, the prediction is: Ousmane Dembélé will win the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Ballon d’Or?
A. An annual award by France Football recognising the best footballer in the season.
Q2. When is the 2025 Ballon d’Or awarded?
A. September 22, 2025.
Q3. What period does the 2025 award cover?
A. The 2024-25 season, not the calendar year.
Q4. What are main criteria?
A. Individual performance, team trophies/achievements, big matches, fair play etc.
Q5. Who are top competitors this year?
A. Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha among others.
Also Read- Who Decides The Ballon d’Or Winner And What Are The Criteria?
