As the football world awaits the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, the ranking has taken an unexpected turn following Lamine Yamal’s loss in the UEFA Nations League final.

With several standout performers across Europe’s top leagues and competitions, this year’s Ballon d’Or ranking is closer than ever.

From PSG’s dominant Champions League campaign to Barcelona’s domestic brilliance and Liverpool’s Premier League resurgence, the contenders have made compelling cases.

Here’s a look at the top 10 Ballon d’Or ranking as we edge closer to football’s most prestigious individual award.

10. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

Stats: 11 goals, 15 assists, 21 clean sheets

Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions

A key figure in PSG’s treble, Hakimi’s consistency and clutch Champions League goals make him arguably the world’s top right-back.

9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

Stats: 14 goals, 11 assists

Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Serie A, Coupe de France

The Georgian winger dazzled for both Napoli and PSG, with his Champions League heroics boosting his Ballon d’Or claim.

8. Desire Doue (PSG)

Stats: 15 goals, 16 assists

Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions

A breakout season for the teen, crowned by a Champions League final masterclass and decisive cup final contributions.

7. Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Stats: 7 goals, 12 assists, 13 clean sheets

Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League

Dominated top wingers in Europe, including Yamal in the Nations League final, while adding goals and assists of his own.

6. Vitinha (PSG)

Stats: 7 goals, 6 assists

Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, Nations League

PSG’s midfield engine. Compared to Xavi, he bossed games en route to a club treble and international glory with Portugal.

5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Stats: 45 goals, 7 assists

Trophies: UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup

Despite big goals and individual brilliance, Real Madrid’s late-season collapse hurt his Ballon d’Or ambitions.

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Stats: 36 goals, 24 assists

Trophies: Premier League

Back to his best under new management, Salah led Liverpool to the league title, though European failures dent his case.

3. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Stats: 39 goals, 25 assists

Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa

Barcelona’s standout attacker in their domestic treble. Raphinha’s consistency and end product make him a top contender.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Stats: 21 goals, 26 assists

Trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa

At just 17, Yamal has taken over Spanish football. Despite the Nations League final loss, he remains Barca’s brightest star.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

Stats: 35 goals, 15 assists

Trophies: UCL, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions

Dembele’s most complete season yet. Crucial in PSG’s historic Champions League win, he leads the Ballon d’Or race. (Vanguard)