The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with football’s biggest stars vying for the sport’s most prestigious individual prize.
With neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo in contention for the second consecutive year — and defending champion Rodri sidelined by injury — a new name is set to claim the golden ball.
According to Goal, here are the top 10 players leading the Ballon d’Or 2025 rankings.
10. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona & Poland)
At 36 years old, Lewandowski continues to defy age, netting 33 goals this season, including 20 in La Liga. His consistent performances and crucial goals against Real Madrid keep him in the conversation.
9. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich & Germany)
The 22-year-old playmaker has dazzled with 16 goals and seven assists for Bayern this season, playing a vital role in Germany’s unbeaten UEFA Nations League run.
8. Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid & Brazil)
After finishing second last year, Vinícius remains one of the world’s most electric forwards with 17 goals and 10 assists this season. However, he may need a late surge to stake a stronger claim.
7. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool & Netherlands)
The Liverpool captain is back to his dominant best, leading the Reds’ title charge. Though defenders rarely win the Ballon d’Or, Van Dijk’s leadership and consistency make him a strong outsider.
6. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)
Bellingham has been a revelation at Madrid, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in 35 appearances. If Madrid wins silverware, his stock will skyrocket.
5. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Kane has been lethal in front of goal, bagging 21 goals in 21 Bundesliga matches. A Champions League triumph could finally earn him the recognition he’s long deserved.
4. Raphinha (Barcelona & Brazil)
Raphinha has surprised many with 24 goals and 18 assists, including a stunning hat-trick against Bayern Munich. He’s been La Liga’s standout winger under Hansi Flick.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
At just 17 years old, Yamal has already notched 11 goals and 17 assists this season. His European Championship heroics have made him one of football’s brightest young stars.
2. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)
Despite a slow start, Mbappé has bounced back with 28 goals in his debut Madrid season. If Madrid clinches multiple trophies, he could finally claim his first Ballon d’Or.
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
Salah is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career with 30 goals and 22 assists. If Liverpool wins the Premier League, the Egyptian King could finally end his long wait for the Ballon d’Or crown.
