With the European club football season now concluded, players worldwide have completed their on-field efforts to stake their claim for the prestigious Ballon d`Or award. The announcement of the winner on September 22 will reveal who is recognized as having had the standout season. In the meantime, there`s ample opportunity for discussion and debate.
While team trophies are undoubtedly paramount in sports, evaluating individual performance remains a worthwhile exercise. This year`s award race is particularly engaging as there`s no single, overwhelming favorite, unlike the era dominated by Lionel Messi. Early in 2025, Mohamed Salah appeared to be on track for the prize with his commanding performances. However, few could have anticipated Paris Saint-Germain`s dramatic ascent to become Europe`s top team, significantly boosting the prospects of their star forward, Ousmane Dembele, who is now widely considered the favorite to win.
It`s important to note that this analysis focuses on who *deserves* to win the Ballon d`Or based on merit, rather than predicting the likely winner based on current odds. The assessment heavily prioritizes statistical output, particularly goals scored and created, as these are arguably the most valuable contributions in football. While defensive performance is also crucial, the exceptional attacking numbers posted by many elite players this season suggest a forward or attacking midfielder is more probable winner than a defender, unlike previous years where a defensive player like Fabio Cannavaro could claim the award.
Contributing to team success and achievements is also a key criterion for the Ballon d`Or. A balance must be struck between individual brilliance, team performance, and the less tangible aspects of `class and fair play`. While the evaluation involves some subjectivity, a rigorous analytical approach is essential. At this stage of the season, the final statistics and overall output are the most significant factors determining a player`s standing. Based on these considerations, here is a ranking of the top contenders:
1. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
Mohamed Salah had an absolutely exceptional season. Before this campaign, only two players in Premier League history had recorded 47 goal involvements in a season, and both required 42 games to do so. Salah matched this record while easing up towards the end of the season, finishing with a remarkable total of 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions. His contribution was instrumental in guiding Liverpool to win Europe`s most competitive domestic league comfortably, an achievement that shouldn`t be diminished by Liverpool`s earlier exit from the Champions League.
2. Raphinha, Barcelona
Raphinha`s season is a remarkable narrative. Despite facing uncertainty about his future at Barcelona at the season`s start, he emerged as a pivotal figure in their title-winning campaign. His performances were particularly outstanding in the Champions League, where he equaled Cristiano Ronaldo`s record for goal contributions in a single campaign with 21. Had Barcelona won the Champions League, Raphinha`s case for the top spot would be even stronger.
3. Ousmane Dembele, PSG
Ousmane Dembele is a strong contender primarily because his development into one of the world`s best center forwards was arguably the single biggest factor in Paris Saint-Germain transforming into a Champions League-winning side. He led the line brilliantly, delivering crucial, top-tier performances in the season`s most significant matches. However, Salah and Raphinha rank slightly higher here due to sustaining their elite output for the entire season in domestically more competitive environments.
4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
While the top three might be in a tier of their own, Kvaratskhelia belongs among the next group of players who had brilliant seasons, even if not quite at the Ballon d`Or-winning level. He was another vital addition for PSG midway through the season, contributing significantly to their emergence as a superteam. While his raw output stats might not match the players above him, Kvaratskhelia excels at creating scoring opportunities for his team with exceptional flair and skill.
5. Pedri, Barcelona
Pedri stands out as the season`s premier midfielder, a sentiment echoed by peers like Toni Kroos, who called him “the best in the world in his position.” The 22-year-old maintained his customarily excellent ball progression numbers but also significantly impressed observers with his robust commitment to tackling and making interceptions, showcasing a well-rounded game.
6. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
In terms of pure output, Lamine Yamal is incredibly close to the top contenders, registering 39 goal involvements. This is an astounding achievement for any player, let alone a 17-year-old. His narrative is further boosted by delivering impactful performances in high-pressure games like the Champions League semifinals. Given his current trajectory, it seems inevitable that he will become a Ballon d`Or winner in the future.
7. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
Several Paris Saint-Germain players could merit a place in the top 10, but Achraf Hakimi earns his spot for two primary reasons. Firstly, his dynamic play, excelling both in attack and defense, perfectly embodies the style of Luis Enrique`s successful side. Secondly, his contributions included scoring crucial goals in the Champions League knockout stages – the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final – which significantly boosts his profile.
8. Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid
One could argue that Kylian Mbappe`s presence might have initially unsettled Real Madrid, potentially detracting from his Ballon d`Or case. However, the team`s struggles, partly due to defensive injuries, were not solely his doing. More importantly, Real Madrid would likely have faced even greater difficulties without Mbappe`s impressive return of 42 goals across the season.
9. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk has been nothing short of outstanding this season. Any perceived loss of pace has been more than compensated by the significant improvements he has made to his on-ball abilities in recent years. His leadership and defensive prowess were fundamental to Liverpool`s success.
10. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich
Harry Kane`s inclusion is straightforward. He finished second across Europe`s top five leagues in goal contributions, doing so in nearly 1,000 fewer minutes than Mohamed Salah. At 31, he continues to deliver league-leading scoring figures and ranks among the top 10 for assists, now with domestic trophies added to his achievements.
Dominic Ashworth