As the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches in Paris, the football world buzzes with anticipation over who will claim the prestigious award.
Following a year of remarkable performances across Europe’s top competitions, bookmakers have released their top 10 favorites, reflecting a mix of individual brilliance and team triumphs.
With Paris Saint-Germain finally securing the UEFA Champions League and Barcelona dominating domestically, the race for the Golden Ball is fiercely contested, driven by standout campaigns in La Liga, the Premier League, and international tournaments, as reported by football365.
Topping the list is PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, the odds-on favorite after a stellar year, by delivering PSG’s long-awaited Champions League title.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, at just 18, ranks second, dazzling with a league and cup double, plus a brace in Spain’s thrilling 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France.
PSG’s Vitinha, third, bolsters his case with Champions League and Nations League success.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, fourth, led the Premier League but faltered against PSG, while Barcelona’s Raphinha, fifth, thrived in Hansi Flick’s La Liga and Copa del Rey-winning side.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, tied for sixth with PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, shone in the Club World Cup.
PSG’s Fabian Ruiz and Nuno Mendes, alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, round out the top 10.
Barcelona’s strong representation with Yamal and Raphinha underscores their domestic dominance, though their lack of Champions League success may hinder their chances.
Dembélé’s decisive contributions in Europe give him the edge, despite PSG’s Club World Cup loss to Chelsea.
Yamal’s youth and versatility, highlighted by his Kopa Trophy win, make him a future favorite, but 2025 seems poised for Dembélé to claim the crown.
As the ceremony nears, debates rage over whether individual heroics or collective silverware will sway voters, promising a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Ballon d’Or race.
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