Ballon d'Or 2025 Update: Dembele Ranks Only 4th, Top Spot Goes to...

The well-known sports channel TNT Sports has released the latest update on the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, bringing some surprises to the list.

5. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Raphinha made a spectacular comeback last season with 34 goals and 25 assists, figures that would make him a top contender in any other year.

However, the Brazilian striker's impact in the Champions League was somewhat overshadowed as his goal against Inter Milan couldn’t help Barca advance. Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha seems reborn, and the next season will test if he can sustain that form.

After Barca missed out on Nico Williams due to his contract extension with Athletic Bilbao, Raphinha’s role became even more crucial, unless Marcus Rashford, the loanee from Man Utd, proves consistent enough to challenge for a starting spot.

4. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

The battle for number one will likely revolve around PSG players and may shift constantly. With an attacking style and preference for goal scorers, Ousmane Dembele emerges as a strong candidate. The French forward ended the season with 35 goals and 16 assists, stats any star would envy.

Yet, Dembele’s limitation lies in France’s failure to win the UEFA Nations League. In fact, three of Les Bleus’ four semifinal goals came after he left the pitch. At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, his goal against Real Madrid was notable, but he was almost invisible in the final.

A treble including Ligue 1, Champions League, and the French Cup confirms his status, but it may not guarantee the Ballon d'Or. Inside PSG, there’s another player rated even higher.

3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Palmer is a surprising name rising into the candidate group despite not being mentioned earlier. The Ballon d'Or often rewards decisive moments, and Palmer delivered in two season-ending finals, especially shining in the FIFA Club World Cup final against PSG, where Chelsea completely outplayed the European champions.

However, the English midfielder’s last season wasn’t all smooth. Palmer went through a tough period with a four-month goal drought. Therefore, the question remains whether the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles carry enough weight to sway votes.

2. Vitinha (PSG)

Vitinha is regarded as the “heart” of PSG and Portugal’s national team, playing a role comparable to Rodri at Man City and Spain.

The midfielder born in 2000 improved as the season intensified, playing a major part in PSG overcoming three top English clubs and defeating Inter to win the UEFA Champions League. Though not always the standout, Vitinha was almost always among the best performers on the pitch.

That performance was followed by a UEFA Nations League victory with Portugal, where he also scored a successful penalty in the shootout against Spain. Despite Chelsea exploiting his weakness when he played as a left-sided center-back in the FIFA Club World Cup final, his achievements with both club and country keep Vitinha among PSG’s top candidates, at least for now.

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Although he was less impressive in the UEFA Nations League and Barca didn’t reach the Champions League final, Lamine Yamal was central to a successful season with La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and a Champions League semifinal berth. At just 17, he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists, numbers that show influence beyond his years.

In the competition with Pedri and Raphinha, Yamal is considered the brightest star in one of Europe’s top teams. His performances against Inter left a strong impression and could significantly affect voting.

Yamal is rated as the number one candidate. From winning the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player, the 2007-born prodigy is now ready to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history.

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