The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is almost here, and the debate surrounding this year’s winner has never been more intense. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s era of dominance firmly in the past, a new generation of stars is set to take center stage.

After Paris Saint-Germain secured their first-ever Champions League title last season and reached the Club World Cup final this summer, the French champions dominate the 30-man shortlist with nine players included. It would be a surprise if a PSG player did not walk away with the golden trophy on Monday night.

Ousmane Dembele – The Favourite

All eyes are on Ousmane Dembele, who delivered the best season of his career. The French forward scored 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, leading PSG to a historic Champions League triumph alongside another Ligue 1 title.
PSG sporting director Luis Campos even went as far as saying:

“If Ousmane doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, it’s because the people who voted don’t have the competence to vote for the Ballon d’Or. If he was called Messi or Ronaldo, there would be no discussion.”

Lamine Yamal – The Teen Sensation

Standing in Dembele’s way is Barcelona’s 18-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal. The teenager produced 18 goals and 25 assists as Barca lifted La Liga and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Should he win, Yamal would become the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner, surpassing Ronaldo Nazario’s record set in 1997 at age 21.

Other PSG Contenders

Vitinha: A midfield engine for PSG, he impressed in both the Champions League and Club World Cup, while also winning the Nations League with Portugal.

Nuno Mendes: Crowned player of the finals at the Nations League, the left-back’s displays against Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka cemented his status as the world’s best in his position.

Gianluigi Donnarumma: Once again among the world’s top keepers after playing a crucial role in PSG’s European campaign.

Barcelona’s Dark Horses

Raphinha: Produced a staggering 56 goal involvements, including five goals against Real Madrid and a hat-trick versus Bayern Munich.

Pedri: The heartbeat of Barca’s midfield, consistently delivering in big games.

Premier League Hopes

The Premier League is represented by Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister after Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. Salah, who hit 29 goals and 18 assists in the league, is the standout English-based contender. However, Liverpool’s early Champions League exit could hurt his chances.

Erling Haaland is also nominated after continuing his incredible scoring streak, while Cole Palmer earned recognition for his Club World Cup heroics.

The Big Picture

With contenders from PSG, Barcelona, and the Premier League, the 2025 Ballon d’Or looks set for one of the closest battles in years. While Salah and Yamal are strong challengers, the momentum appears to be with Ousmane Dembele and a player finally stepping out of the shadows to claim football’s biggest individual honor.