Ballon d’Or 2025: Raphinha, Dembélé, Mbappé… Here is the new ranking unveiled

The Ballon d’Or, a shimmering golden orb that represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in the realm of football, continues to captivate the imaginations of fans, players, and pundits alike. Each year, the anticipation surrounding the announcement of the winner builds to a fever pitch, with discussions and debates raging about which player has shone brightest over the preceding season. The race for the 2025 edition of this prestigious award is already beginning to take shape, with several exceptional talents emerging as potential contenders for the coveted title.

As the current footballing season progresses, a clearer picture of the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is starting to materialize. While the ultimate victor will not be crowned until well into next year, the remarkable performances of several players in recent months have positioned them as strong candidates for the individual honor. According to a recent article published by FOX Sports on April 8, 2025, a new ranking of potential Ballon d’Or contenders has been unveiled, offering insights into the current landscape of the race.

Leading the charge, according to the FOX Sports ranking, is none other than the phenomenal Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, currently plying his trade with Real Madrid, has continued to demonstrate his exceptional talent and goal-scoring prowess. With an impressive tally of 33 goals across all competitions this season, Mbappé has been the driving force behind Real Madrid’s ambitions of securing major titles. His brilliance has been evident in both the domestic league, La Liga, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League, where he has consistently delivered match-winning performances.

Mbappé’s consistency and his profound influence on Real Madrid’s overall game have further solidified his position as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or. His electrifying pace, intricate dribbling, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. More than just a goalscorer, Mbappé’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates and dictate the tempo of attacking plays underscores his comprehensive impact on the pitch. As such, he is increasingly viewed as the frontrunner in the early stages of the Ballon d’Or race.

Hot on Mbappé’s heels in the FOX Sports ranking is the Brazilian winger Raphinha, who is enjoying what many are considering the best season of his professional career with FC Barcelona. The dynamic attacker has been a revelation for the Catalan giants, contributing an impressive 27 goals and providing a remarkable 18 assists across all competitions. Raphinha has become an indispensable pillar of Barcelona’s attacking unit, consistently delivering impactful performances in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Raphinha’s electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and pinpoint crosses have made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. His ability to both score goals and create them for his teammates has been crucial to Barcelona’s success this season. His consistent high level of performance in major competitions has significantly strengthened his candidacy for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, positioning him as a serious threat to Mbappé’s current status as the favorite.

Another Barcelona player who has captured the attention of the footballing world and features prominently in the FOX Sports ranking is the prodigious young talent, Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years of age, Yamal has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough season, showcasing maturity and skill far beyond his years. The Spanish winger has already contributed an impressive 13 goals and provided 18 assists, captivating fans and pundits alike with his precocious talent and fearless approach to the game.

Yamal’s emergence as a key player for Barcelona at such a young age is a testament to his exceptional abilities. His pace, dribbling, and eye for a killer pass have made him a constant threat in the attacking third. If he can maintain this remarkable level of performance throughout the remainder of the season and continue to develop his already impressive skillset, Lamine Yamal could very well emerge as a surprise contender and a dark horse in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Paris Saint-Germain also has a strong representative in the Ballon d’Or conversation, with the French winger Ousmane Dembélé featuring high in the FOX Sports ranking. Dembélé has been in scintillating form since the turn of the year, having scored an impressive 24 goals in just 20 appearances since January. His electrifying pace, exceptional close control, and ability to beat defenders with ease have made him a key element in Luis Enrique’s PSG side.

Dembélé’s outstanding performances in both the French Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League have firmly established him as a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or. His consistent ability to deliver high-level performances in crucial matches has not gone unnoticed, and he will undoubtedly be looking to maintain his current rich vein of form as the season progresses.

Bayern Munich’s prolific English striker, Harry Kane, also features prominently in the FOX Sports ranking as a credible contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Kane has continued to demonstrate his exceptional goal-scoring prowess since his move to the Bundesliga, having netted an impressive 34 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, including a remarkable 10 goals in the Champions League.

Kane’s consistent ability to find the back of the net, coupled with his all-around game and leadership qualities, make him a perennial contender for individual accolades. His impressive goal-scoring record in both domestic and European competitions ensures that he remains a strong and reliable candidate in the Ballon d’Or race.

Rounding out the top contenders in the FOX Sports ranking is Liverpool’s Egyptian talisman, Mohamed Salah. Despite Liverpool’s relatively early exit from the UEFA Champions League this season, Salah has maintained an exceptionally high level of performance. The winger has contributed an impressive 32 goals and provided 22 assists, once again proving his status as one of the most potent attacking forces in world football.

While Liverpool’s lack of deep progression in the Champions League might potentially hinder his Ballon d’Or ambitions compared to players whose teams have enjoyed greater European success, Salah’s individual brilliance and consistent output cannot be ignored. He remains a formidable force and a player who is always capable of producing moments of magic.

Each of these players – Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah – has distinguished themselves through their remarkable consistency, their decisive impact in crucial matches, and their central roles in the impressive performances of their respective clubs. As the season continues to unfold, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or promises to be an enthralling and closely contested affair, with each of these exceptional talents vying for the ultimate individual recognition in the beautiful game. The footballing world eagerly awaits to see which of these stars will ultimately lift the coveted golden ball.