2024/25 Ballon d’Or ranking: Dembélé leads with Raphinha and Yamal shining

Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the top favorite to win the 2024/25 Ballon d’Or by the Score90 website, according to a recently released ranking. The list, which evaluates players’ performances in the European season and the Club World Cup, places the Frenchman ahead in a tight race, with names like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Mohamed Salah among the main contenders. The award ceremony, organized by France Football in partnership with UEFA, is scheduled for September 22, 2025, in Paris, reflecting players’ impact in club competitions, as no international tournaments influenced this cycle. Dembélé’s rise, marked by decisive performances for PSG, reignites the debate over who will be crowned the world’s best player.

The 2024/25 season, without major international tournaments like the Euros or Copa América, focused entirely on club performances, giving extra weight to domestic leagues and continental competitions. The new Club World Cup format, held in July 2025, also played a significant role in the evaluation of candidates. Score90’s ranking, known for its detailed analysis, considers factors such as goals, assists, influence in key matches, and consistency throughout the season.

• Key highlights from Score90’s ranking:
• Ousmane Dembélé: 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 games for PSG.
• Raphinha: 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 games for Barcelona.
• Lamine Yamal: 19 goals and 22 assists in 60 games for Barcelona.
• Mohamed Salah: 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 games for Liverpool.

Dembélé’s meteoric rise

Ousmane Dembélé, 28, enjoyed the best season of his career, establishing himself as PSG’s cornerstone. After years of criticism for injuries and inconsistency, the Frenchman found stability under Luis Enrique, leading PSG to historic triumphs, including Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the Champions League. In 49 matches, he scored 33 goals and provided 13 assists, topping the stats among forwards in Europe’s top five leagues. His dribbling, playmaking, and finishing precision made him a leader on and off the pitch.

Dembélé was also named the best player of the 2024/25 Champions League, with 13 goals and eight assists in the competition. Despite missing the Club World Cup final, won by Chelsea, his performances in PSG’s run to the semifinals were unforgettable. His versatility, switching between wing play and central incursions, was highlighted by Score90 as a key factor in the Ballon d’Or race.

Raphinha’s peak at Barcelona

Brazilian winger Raphinha also shone brightly, delivering an exceptional season for Barcelona. Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, the 28-year-old scored 34 goals and provided 22 assists in 57 games, making him one of Europe’s most productive players. Raphinha was pivotal in Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and LaLiga triumphs, outshining rivals Real Madrid in two finals.

Once criticized for missed chances, Raphinha found his ideal tactical role under Flick, excelling as both a winger and in more central positions. His ability to create and finish chances placed him neck-and-neck with Dembélé in the Ballon d’Or race. Raphinha’s Champions League campaign was notable, including a stunning goal in the semifinal against Inter Milan, despite Barcelona’s elimination.

Lamine Yamal: the promise turned reality

At just 17, Lamine Yamal is one of football’s biggest revelations and ranks in Score90’s top five. The Spanish youngster, also from Barcelona, impressed with 19 goals and 22 assists in 60 games. His dribbling and vision made him indispensable to Flick’s system, contributing to the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and LaLiga titles.

• Lamine Yamal’s season highlights:
• Stunning goal in the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan.
• 18 goals and 11 assists in 36 LaLiga games.
• Key role in Barcelona’s victories over Real Madrid.
• Winner of the 2024 Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player.

Yamal, often compared to legends like Lionel Messi, displays remarkable maturity for his age. His ability to decide big games and maintain consistency over a long season makes him a strong Ballon d’Or contender, despite competing with more experienced players.

Mohamed Salah’s consistency at Liverpool

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, 33, is another heavyweight in the ranking. The Egyptian scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 52 games, leading the Premier League’s stats. His season was marked by a contract renewal with Liverpool and consistent performances, culminating in the team’s Premier League dominance. Salah, a former top-three Ballon d’Or finisher, remains relevant with impressive numbers and leadership.

He was crucial in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League quarterfinals and their UEFA Super Cup victory. His knack for scoring in clutch moments and creating for teammates keeps him among the favorites, though the lack of major titles this season may hinder his chances.

Other notable contenders

Beyond the top four, Score90’s ranking highlights other standout performers. PSG’s Vitinha surprised with his midfield influence, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 52 games. His vision and ball recovery were vital to PSG’s success. Nuno Mendes, also from PSG, excelled as a left-back, contributing assists and defensive solidity.

At Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé, despite a below-expectations debut season, still ranks among the candidates with 43 goals and five assists in 56 games. However, Real Madrid’s lack of major titles in 2024/25 may limit his chances. Barcelona’s Pedri also features, with six goals and nine assists in 69 games, serving as the “brain” of the team’s midfield.

Club World Cup: a game-changer in the race

The new Club World Cup format, held in July 2025 in the United States, added significant weight to the Ballon d’Or evaluations. Chelsea, coached by Enzo Maresca, won the title by defeating PSG in the final, with Cole Palmer shining in the decisive match. Despite the loss, players like Dembélé and Vitinha stood out in earlier rounds, bolstering their rankings.

• Key moments from the Club World Cup:
• Chelsea 2-1 PSG in the final, with a decisive goal from Cole Palmer.
• Dembélé scored twice in the quarterfinals against Monterrey.
• Raphinha was decisive in the round of 16, with an assist and a goal for Barcelona.
• Lamine Yamal scored a stunning goal in the group stage.

Club focus in 2024/25

With no international tournaments in 2024/25, club competitions took center stage. The Champions League, won by PSG, was a key platform for Ballon d’Or candidates. Barcelona, led by Raphinha and Yamal, dominated Spanish football, while Liverpool, powered by Salah, excelled in the Premier League. Bayern Munich, with Harry Kane’s 43 goals in 53 games, secured the Bundesliga.

The season also saw surprises, like Vitinha’s rise at PSG and Nuno Mendes’ consolidation as one of the world’s best left-backs. The diversity of candidates reflects the competitiveness of European football, with players from various positions and styles vying for the prestigious award.

Rising stars

In addition to the favorites, Score90’s ranking highlights young talents who could surprise in the voting. PSG’s João Neves, a 19-year-old midfielder, and Barcelona’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí were nominated for the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player. Both delivered consistent performances and could gain prominence in coming years.

Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also stands out, with 25 goals in 55 games. His dribbling and finishing placed him among the top 20, though Napoli’s lack of titles may limit his chances in 2025.

The voting process

The Ballon d’Or is decided by journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries, who select 10 players from a France Football shortlist. Each juror assigns points from 15 to 1 based on their preferences. The UEFA partnership, introduced in 2024, brought more rigor to the analysis, factoring in stats, impact in decisive games, and collective achievements.

While not official, Score90’s ranking serves as a gauge for the final vote, reflecting players’ performances throughout the season. The September 22 ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris promises to be a landmark event, with Dembélé as the leading favorite but facing strong competition from Raphinha, Yamal, and Salah.

Ballon d’Or trivia

• Lionel Messi holds the record with eight wins (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).
• Cristiano Ronaldo has five victories (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
• Brazil has five winners: Ronaldo (1997, 2002), Rivaldo (1999), Ronaldinho (2005), and Kaká (2007).
• 2024 winner Rodri couldn’t defend his title due to a knee injury.

Anticipation for the ceremony

With the European season concluded and the Club World Cup decided, the 2024/25 Ballon d’Or race enters its final stretch. The absence of international tournaments amplified club performances, favoring players like Dembélé, who led PSG’s historic campaign. The August vote promises heated debates, given the diversity of candidates and playing styles.

The presence of young stars like Lamine Yamal and veterans like Mohamed Salah highlights the richness of modern football, with different generations competing at the highest level. The September ceremony will crown the world’s best player, celebrating talent and dedication in the planet’s most popular sport.