Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings: Raphinha Surges Ahead as Contenders Stumble

As the 2024-25 football season nears its climax, the race for the Ballon d’Or 2025 is heating up, with Barcelona’s Raphinha emerging as the frontrunner. With defending champion Rodri sidelined and several top stars facing setbacks, the power rankings reflect a dynamic shift, driven by standout performances and critical team successes.

The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is decided by a panel of 100 journalists from FIFA’s top-ranked nations, evaluating players based on their performances from August 2024 to July 2025. Unlike previous years, the 2025 award will focus solely on club performances, with no major international tournaments to influence voters. This shift has opened the door for new contenders, while traditional favorites face unexpected challenges. Here’s the latest Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings update, based on recent performances and expert analyses.

1. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Raphinha has transformed from a talented winger into a global superstar, leading the power rankings with his electrifying performances for Barcelona. The 28-year-old Brazilian has recorded 24 goals and 18 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, including a staggering 19 goal involvements (12 goals, 7 assists) in 12 Champions League matches. His creativity ranks among the top five in Europe’s major leagues, and his leadership has propelled Barcelona to the La Liga summit and the Champions League semi-finals. Experts, including FourFourTwo, highlight Raphinha’s “absurd” statistics and pivotal role in Barcelona’s pursuit of a potential treble. A Champions League title could cement his case as the first Barcelona player to win the Ballon d’Or since Lionel Messi.

2. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)

Once dubbed the “glass man,” Ousmane Dembélé has silenced critics with a career-best season at PSG. The 27-year-old Frenchman has notched 32 goals in 41 appearances, including 21 in Ligue 1, where he leads with a goal every 73 minutes—the best efficiency in Europe’s top five leagues. His seven goals and three assists in the Champions League further bolster his credentials. Under Luis Enrique’s tactical guidance, Dembélé has thrived in a free-flowing role alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, helping PSG secure the Ligue 1 title early and reach the Champions League semi-finals. His resurgence has earned him a top-five spot in multiple power rankings, with The Athletic noting his newfound consistency as a key factor.

3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah remains a strong contender, though his Ballon d’Or hopes have taken a hit. The 32-year-old Egyptian has been sensational, amassing 30 goals and 22 assists in 39 appearances, making him the Premier League’s standout performer. However, Liverpool’s early Champions League exit has dampened his prospects, as experts emphasize the importance of European success in 2025’s club-focused voting. Football365 notes that Salah’s lack of international or Club World Cup opportunities this summer could further hinder his chances, despite his domestic dominance. Still, a Premier League title under Arne Slot could keep him in the conversation.

4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

At just 17, Lamine Yamal is a phenomenon, with 14 goals and 17 assists for Barcelona this season. His dazzling performances, including a crucial goal against Dortmund in the Champions League, have made him a fan favorite and a serious Ballon d’Or contender. Bleacher Report praises his “fearlessness” and “dazzling” skill, though his youth and reliance on Barcelona’s team success may limit his chances this year. A Champions League triumph could propel him to a podium finish, potentially making him one of the youngest-ever recipients.

5. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

At 36, Robert Lewandowski continues to defy age, scoring 35 goals in 40 appearances, including 11 in 12 Champions League games. His resurgence under Hansi Flick has fueled Barcelona’s title charge, and his 2020 Ballon d’Or cancellation still resonates with voters, potentially earning him a “lifetime achievement” nod. FourFourTwo suggests that a Champions League win could secure Lewandowski the award, though his role as a pure striker may place him behind more creative teammates like Raphinha and Yamal.

Notable Mentions

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Despite a hat-trick against Manchester City, Mbappé’s chances have been dented by Real Madrid’s Champions League exit and likely La Liga shortfall. His 27 goals in 38 appearances keep him relevant, but a trophyless season could exclude him from the top tier.
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Kane’s 34 goals across the Bundesliga and Champions League are impressive, but Bayern’s European elimination against Inter has significantly weakened his case.
• Declan Rice (Arsenal): Rice’s standout performances, including two free-kicks against Real Madrid, have earned him a spot in the conversation. However, Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations are critical to his candidacy.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): The Georgian’s flair has shone since joining PSG, with his odds potentially shortening if PSG wins the Champions League.
• Lautaro Martinez (Inter): Martinez’s goals against Bayern Munich highlight his importance to Inter, but a Serie A and Champions League double is likely necessary for a top finish.

Challenges and Trends

The absence of Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, due to a season-ending ACL injury has opened the race wide, with La Liga players dominating the power rankings. Barcelona’s trio of Raphinha, Yamal, and Lewandowski reflects the club’s resurgence, while PSG’s Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia underscore Ligue 1’s growing influence. The emphasis on club performances, particularly in the Champions League, is evident, with Goal.com noting that “winning the Champions League is surely key” in a year without international tournaments.

However, the Ballon d’Or’s subjective nature means voters may weigh individual brilliance against team success differently. Defenders like Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, despite stellar performances, face an uphill battle due to the award’s historical bias toward attackers. Similarly, midfielders like Pedri and Vitinha, while integral to their teams, are often overshadowed by goal-scoring teammates.

Conclusion

With the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony looming in October, Raphinha holds pole position, but the race remains fluid. Dembélé’s consistency, Salah’s domestic heroics, and Yamal’s prodigious talent keep the competition fierce, while Lewandowski’s experience adds intrigue. As the Champions League and domestic leagues reach their decisive stages, the next few months will determine who claims football’s ultimate individual honor. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if Barcelona’s resurgence or PSG’s ambition shapes the final power rankings.