The Ballon d’Or, a symbol of football’s highest individual honor, continues to inspire admiration and discussion across the global football community.
Each year, excitement builds as fans, experts, and players eagerly await the crowning of the sport’s most outstanding performer.
As the 2024–25 season progresses, early indicators suggest that the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with several elite players staking their claims through phenomenal displays.
A recent April 8, 2025, article by FOX Sports has spotlighted some of the leading contenders shaping the current landscape of the competition.
Topping the FOX Sports rankings is French superstar Kylian Mbappé, who has been in scintillating form for Real Madrid.
With 33 goals to his name in all competitions, Mbappé has been central to the club’s pursuit of both domestic and European titles.
His dynamic playing style—featuring lightning speed, sharp dribbling, and lethal finishing—has consistently troubled defenders and elevated his team’s attacking threat.
More than just a scorer, Mbappé’s playmaking abilities and influence on the pitch solidify his standing as a top contender for the prestigious award.
Trailing closely behind is FC Barcelona’s Raphinha, whose 2024–25 campaign has arguably been the best of his career.
The Brazilian winger has tallied 27 goals and an impressive 18 assists, becoming a cornerstone of Barcelona’s attack.
Known for his agility, technical brilliance, and creative output, Raphinha has emerged as one of the season’s most complete forwards, helping lead the club’s efforts in both La Liga and the Champions League.
His consistent excellence keeps him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Barcelona also boasts another rising star in the mix: 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Despite his young age, Yamal has turned heads with 13 goals and 18 assists, playing with maturity and confidence well beyond his years.
His flair, vision, and daring approach have made him one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
Should he maintain his momentum, Yamal could become a surprise contender and a symbol of the next generation of footballing greats.
Over in France, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé has surged into contention thanks to a blistering run of form in 2025, notching 24 goals in just 20 matches since January.
His speed, dribbling ability, and flair have been instrumental to PSG’s success, particularly in crucial matches both domestically and in the Champions League.
From the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane remains a serious threat in the Ballon d’Or race.
The English striker has registered 34 goals in 39 appearances, including 10 in Europe’s premier club competition.
His consistency, finishing, and leadership have made him a standout figure since his move to Germany.
Rounding out the leading candidates is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian forward has been in tremendous form, delivering 32 goals and 22 assists, despite Liverpool’s relatively early exit from the Champions League.
Salah’s relentless drive and match-winning ability ensure he stays in contention, even if team success may play a role in the final vote.
Altogether, the likes of Mbappé, Raphinha, Yamal, Dembélé, Kane, and Salah are shaping what promises to be an exciting race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
With the season still unfolding, every goal, assist, and standout performance could be the difference in claiming football’s most coveted individual prize.
