Lamine Yamal emerges as main rival to Ousmane Dembele in Ballon d Or 2025 power rankings, ready for Champions League final. World football's most prestigious individual award Ballon d'Or The 2025 race has started with a thrilling contest. The 2024 champion Rodri has suffered a serious knee injury, leaving someone new to step up. The young Barcelona star has stepped up to the plate. Lamin Yamal, who is now a PSG star Ousmane Dembele has emerged as its main competitor.
New competition in Rodri's absence
Rodri established his dominance by winning the Ballon d'Or in 2024, but a serious knee injury will prevent him from defending the title in 2025. This has brought new and surprising names into the race for the award. With no major international tournaments this season, the fate of the Ballon d'Or will be determined entirely by club performances. That's why Europe's top clubs are keeping an eye on the player.
List of strong candidates for Ballon d Or 2025
| Rank | Player name | Club | Goals in the 2024-25 season | Assist | Major achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ousmane Dembele | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) | 35 | 13 | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions |
| 2 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 19 | 26 | Won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España |
| 3 | Raphinha | Barcelona | 39 | 25 | Won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España |
| 4 | Gianluigi Donnarumma | PSG | 0 (keeper) | ০ | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 36 | 24 | Premier League winner |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid | 43 | 5 | UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup winner |
| 7 | Pedri | Barcelona | 6 | 9 | Won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España |
| 8 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | 43 | 13 | Bundesliga winner |
| 9 | Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona | 44 | 5 | Won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España |
| 10 | Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan | 25 | 8 | Serie A rivals |
| 11 | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | PSG | 13 | 11 | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France |
| 12 | Nuno Mendes | PSG | 6 | 11 | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions |
| 13 | Vitinha | PSG | 7 | 5 | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions |
| 14 | Viktor Gyokeres | Sporting CP | 63 | 16 | Liga Portugal, Taca de Portugal winner |
| 15 | Vinicius Jr. | Real Madrid | 22 | 19 | UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup winner |
| 16 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | 15 | 17 | UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup winner |
| 17 | Achraf Hakimi | PSG | 9 | 15 | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions |
| 18 | Denzel Dumfries | Inter Milan | 14 | 7 | Serie A rivals |
| 19 | Declan Rice | Arsenal | 11 | 13 | Arsenal main team leadership |
| 20 | Desire Doue | PSG | 13 | 15 | Won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions |
Lamine Yamal: Rise from Barcelona
Barcelona's talented 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has scored 19 goals and provided 26 assists in the 2024-25 season. He has been the lifeblood of the team's attack, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. His stunning performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals has made him a key Ballon d'Or contender.
Lamine's youth, skill and consistent improvement could help him become the youngest winner in the award's history.
Ousmane Dembele: The star who rules PSG and the league
PSG's star winger Ousmane Dembele has scored 35 goals and provided 13 assists in the 2024-25 season. He has established PSG as a formidable force as they have won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions. His individual form has helped PSG reach the Champions League final, where his goals and assists have proven his worth.
Dembele's performances have made him a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or, and he will have the opportunity to achieve another success in this final.
Other big names
There are other names in the race for the Ballon d'Or, such as Rafinha, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Jude Bellingham, etc. However, with club success and European performance being more important this season, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele are seen as the main contenders.
Impact of the Champions League final
This year's Champions League final will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the prize. For both Dembele and Yamal, it is a big stage where they can prove their talent to the world.
Who will put in a great performance in this match will ultimately be a big factor for the Ballon d'Or.
Conclusion
Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele are the most talked about names in the race for the Ballon d'Or 2025. Young Barcelona star Yamal is in the lead due to his consistent improvement and outstanding season, while PSG veteran Dembele is a finalist due to his excellent form and club success.
The Champions League final is the most important stage of this race, where competitors will seek to reach new heights of success with their skills and mental strength.
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FAQs
Who are the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2025?
Lamine Yamal is Ousmane Dembele's main rival.
Why can't Rodri defend the Ballon d'Or this year?
He is absent due to a knee injury.
How many goals and assists did Lamin Yamal score in the 2024-25 season?
19 goals and 26 assists.
How many goals did Ousmane Dembele score in the 2024-25 season?
35 goals and 13 assists.
What is the importance of the Champions League final in determining the Ballon d'Or?
Performance in the final has a big impact on determining the fate of the prize.
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