Ballon d'Or 2025 Latest Rankings: Ousmane Dembele vs. Lamine Yamal Race Reaches Boiling Point
- The latest Ballon d'Or power rankings see a Bayern Munich star drop out of the Top 10 as the race catches fire
- The Ousmane Dembele vs. Lamine Yamal contest heats up as both players started the new season on a brighter note
- Two African stars feature prominently in the Top 10 list, though their chances of scooping the big prize remain minute
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The Ballon d’Or race is reaching fever pitch as the countdown begins to the grand reveal on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
As of August 21, 2025, several standout performers have emerged as frontrunners, their remarkable contributions fueling debates among fans and pundits alike.
Dembele still the man to beat
Ousmane Dembélé maintains a strong grip on the Ballon d’Or conversation after his standout season with PSG. Manager Luis Enrique has tipped him to soar even higher this year, praising his influence during PSG’s treble run and hinting at continued improvement.
Statistics support the hype, he achieved a record 12 Champions League goal contributions in one season and racked up 33 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. With these numbers, many see him as the favourite to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
What makes Dembele’s case even stronger is the manner in which he delivered in crunch moments.
His goals in the Champions League semi-final and domestic cup final highlighted not just flair but also composure under pressure.
Teammates have often credited his improved fitness and consistency as the difference-maker, while fans believe he has finally reached his full potential at 28. If he continues this form into the new campaign, it will be hard to deny him football’s biggest individual honour.
Source: Getty Images
At the forefront of the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings is Ousmane Dembélé, whose instrumental role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble-winning campaign, including a coveted Champions League title, cannot be overstated.
According to Transfermarkt, Dembele racked up 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 35 matches in the 2024/25 season and has recorded 2 goals and 2 assists already in the new campaign.
His knack for delivering in high-pressure knockout games, such as his decisive goals at Anfield and the Emirates, has endeared him to both PSG supporters and neutral fans.
Not far behind is the prodigious talent Lamine Yamal from Barcelona. At just 18 years old, Yamal has displayed an astonishing level of maturity and skill on both La Liga and Champions League stages, offering 18 goals and 25 assists for his team during last season.
His electric pace, vision, and composure under pressure have propelled Barcelona’s resurgence, making him one of the most exciting young prospects and a strong contender in the Ballon d’Or race.
The Spanish youngster is also in the running for the Kopa Trophy, an accolade he currently holds after winning it last year.
Source: Getty Images
Who will win the 2025 Ballon d'Or?
According to GiveMeSport, French forward of Paris Saint-Germain, Ousmane Dembele, is the hottest favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or as he leads the power rankings as of August 9, 2025.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who was part of the previous rankings, misses out on the top ten list in the new standings.
1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
4. Raphinha (Barcelona)
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
6. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
8. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
9. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
10. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Why Ousmane Dembélé deserves the 2025 Ballon d'Or
YEN.com.gh recently highlighted three compelling reasons why Ousmane Dembélé stands out as a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, following the official shortlist announcement on Thursday, August 7.
The French winger, who previously starred for Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona, delivered a phenomenal 2024/25 season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the club secure an impressive four trophies. With standout performances across domestic and European competitions, Dembélé's influence on PSG’s success has made him a leading figure in this year’s Ballon d'Or race.
Source: YEN.com.gh
