As the UEFA Champions League campaign draws to a close, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is intensifying — and a surprise name has crept into the conversation. While Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal continues to dazzle and Kylian Mbappe dominates headlines at Real Madrid, it’s a figure who might just be about to steal the spotlight.
With Inter and Paris Saint-Germain booking their spots in the Champions League final, European soccer’s biggest individual prize now appears closely tied to that last showdown in the calendar. The updated Ballon d’Or power rankings, as published by Goal, have now revealed a shift in momentum — and the emergence of a clear, if unexpected, front-runner.
At just 17 years old, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has accomplished what many veterans dream of. With 15 goals and two assists this season and a knack for dominating high-stakes matches like El Clasico, the Spanish teenager remains a strong candidate. His performances in the Champions League and for Spain have only bolstered his reputation.
Fellow Barcelona attacker Raphinha has also seen a breakout year. With 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions, including 13 goals and eight assists in Europe’s top competition, the Brazilian has produced decisive moments all season long. However, Barcelona’s elimination at the hands of Inter in the Champions League semi-finals dealt a blow to both players’ Ballon d’Or cases.
Further down the list, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has surged into contention after two superb legs against Arsenal. He only conceded once across both semifinal ties and has 11 clean sheets this season. His presence in the Champions League final makes him an intriguing wildcard. Meanwhile, Harry Kane, too, has forced his way back into the conversation. Having finally lifted silverware with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and scoring 37 goals in all competitions, Kane’s consistency has earned him a rightful place among the contenders.
Mbappe, Salah, and others stay in the chase
At Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe has continued to live up to the hype, with 35 goals in his debut season in Spain. His explosive pace and clinical finishing have kept him on the list, though Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League has hurt his campaign.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah’s incredible 33 goals and 23 assists have helped Liverpool clinch the Premier League. Salah is also the favorite for the Golden Boot and remains one of the most productive forwards in Europe. On the other hand, Robert Lewandowski defies age with 40 goals at 36 years old, and Pedri has emerged as Barcelona’s midfield maestro under Hansi Flick.
Surprise contender emerges
While many expected Yamal, Raphinha, or even Mbappe to top the charts, PSG’s Ousmane Dembele has taken an unexpected leap to become the favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
“Under Luis Enrique, Dembele has undergone a complete transformation,” reports Goal. The Frenchman has been repositioned as a false nine, and the tactical tweak has paid massive dividends.
With 33 goals and 11 assists this season — including a staggering 25 goals in 2025 alone — Dembele is not only producing, he is leading. PSG have already won Ligue 1 and the French Super Cup, and they will now face Inter in the Champions League final, with the Coupe de France final also on the horizon.
“If he secures the domestic treble and lifts the Champions League trophy,” Goal notes, “Dembele’s case for the Ballon d’Or will be nearly undeniable.”
