As the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony draws near, the race for football’s most prestigious individual accolade is heating up with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele leading the charge. Both young and dynamic, they have impressed throughout the season, but the competition is fierce with several other stars also in the running.
Ousmane Dembele is currently the favorite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or according to betting odds, touted for his pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League triumph. Dembele’s performances have been marked by crucial goals and assists, particularly against major clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, cementing him as a frontrunner. His consistency and impact helped PSG capture the coveted trophy, a feat that Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe previously could not claim at PSG, boosting his chances significantly.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s prodigious 17-year-old winger, stands as the second favorite. Despite his youth, Yamal has already demonstrated world-class skill in crucial Champions League matches, notably against Inter Milan in the semifinals. His flashy play, coupled with impressive contributions in the Nations League—where he scored twice in a thrilling 5-4 victory over France—underline his potential to dominate Ballon d’Or conversations for years. Though 2025 might be slightly early for him to claim the top prize, his rapid rise keeps him firmly in the elite category.
Besides these two, the 2025 race is wide open with several other contenders: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) Salah remains a strong candidate after another Premier League campaign, although his chances suffered due to a failure to score in key Champions League matches, particularly against PSG. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): After a mid-season transfer from Napoli, he helped PSG to multiple trophies, including the Champions League and domestic league titles, placing him among the top contenders.
Others are Raphinha (Barcelona): Another Barcelona talent, Raphinha, has been recognized for his consistent performances and is among the top five in Ballon d’Or odds. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): Though a former favorite, Mbappe’s odds have dropped significantly due to Real Madrid missing out on major trophies this season, making him a serious outsider for the 2025 title. Cole Palmer (Chelsea): A rising star credited for a breakthrough season, Palmer’s recent Club World Cup masterclass has elevated his profile within Ballon d’Or discussions.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at the Paris ceremony on September 22, 2025. With no major international tournaments this summer, club performances, especially in the Champions League and Club World Cup, have become decisive factors. Dembele’s trophy haul and individual brilliance give him the edge, but the youthful brilliance of Yamal and the presence of strong contenders like Salah and Kvaratskhelia make this one of the most open and intriguing races yet.
In sum, while Ousmane Dembele currently has the favored status by bookmakers, Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise and other contenders’ strong campaigns promise an exciting contest for football’s ultimate individual prize in 2025.
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