As the 2024–25 football season nears its conclusion, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or intensifies, with several standout performers making compelling cases for the prestigious award. Among the frontrunners are Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappé, each showcasing exceptional talent and contributing significantly to their respective teams.(SPORTbible, ZonalSports)
🥇 Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or, thanks to his instrumental role in Paris Saint-Germain’s successful campaign. With 33 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, including a remarkable 25 goals in 2025 alone, Dembélé has been pivotal in PSG’s Ligue 1 triumph and their journey to the Champions League final. His performances in the knockout stages, particularly against Arsenal, have solidified his status as a top contender. (World Soccer Talk)
Should PSG secure the Champions League title, Dembélé’s case for the Ballon d’Or would be further strengthened, potentially making him the first French winner since Karim Benzema in 2022.
🌟 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm, playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. Yamal’s season statistics are impressive, with 17 goals and 25 assists in 53 appearances. His performances have not only earned him individual accolades but also positioned him as a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or.(Wikipedia, Reuters)
Despite Barcelona’s exit in the Champions League semifinals, Yamal’s consistent brilliance throughout the season keeps him in the conversation for the award.
⚡ Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé’s debut season with Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular. With 38 goals in all competitions, he has surpassed the debut season tallies of club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazário. His goal-scoring prowess has been a key factor in Real Madrid’s campaign, and he is a strong contender for the European Golden Shoe.(Indiatimes)
However, Real Madrid’s failure to clinch the La Liga title and their early exit from the Champions League may hinder Mbappé’s chances of securing the Ballon d’Or this year.(Planet Football)
🏆 Outlook
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Ousmane Dembélé currently leads the pack, with his performances in both domestic and European competitions making a strong case for the award. Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise and significant contributions to Barcelona’s success cannot be overlooked, while Kylian Mbappé’s goal-scoring feats keep him in contention.(ZonalSports, FourFourTwo)
The final outcome may hinge on the results of the Champions League final and upcoming international tournaments, where standout performances could tip the scales in favor of any of these exceptional talents.
