Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings: Yamal Leads the Charge After Club World Cup Shake-Up

As the football world anticipates the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings, the landscape has shifted dramatically following the FIFA Club World Cup. Individual brilliance, club success, and national team achievements all feed into the award’s narrative. This year’s race stands as one of the most open in recent memory, with emerging stars pushing past established names.

Let’s break down the Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Rankings, highlighting the standout players who dominate headlines and performance charts.

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain) – The Prodigy Takes the Throne

Lamine Yamal has turned teenage promise into global dominance. The 17-year-old winger carried FC Barcelona to a historic continental treble and helped Spain win the UEFA Nations League. Even though he didn’t participate in the Club World Cup, his overall consistency, creativity, and direct goal contributions cemented his spot as the Ballon d’Or frontrunner.

Yamal scored over 20 goals across all competitions and created countless chances in both La Liga and the Champions League. His maturity on the pitch, dribbling confidence, and ability to shine in high-pressure moments distinguish him from his peers.

Key Achievements:

• UEFA Champions League winner

• La Liga and Copa del Rey titles

• Nations League champion with Spain

• Over 30 goal contributions across all competitions

2. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal) – The Midfield Maestro

Vitinha has quietly emerged as the backbone of PSG’s dominance this season. While teammates like Mbappé and Dembélé drew headlines, Vitinha ran the show from midfield. He dictated the tempo, protected the defense, and drove attacks with unmatched control.

Paris Saint-Germain secured a domestic treble and their first Champions League title, and Vitinha played a central role in every competition. He carried that form into Portugal’s Nations League win, elevating his Ballon d’Or credentials.

Why Vitinha Ranks So High:

• Champions League and Ligue 1 double winner

• Nations League champion

• High passing accuracy, progressive carries, and goal involvement

• Outstanding work rate and tactical discipline

3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea & England) – The Surprise Superstar

Few expected Cole Palmer to rise this quickly. After a strong Premier League campaign, Palmer exploded during the FIFA Club World Cup, where he delivered a tournament-defining performance. Chelsea won the tournament, and Palmer claimed the Golden Ball.

Palmer’s technical flair, vision, and goal-scoring instincts have put him in the global spotlight. He now stands as England’s most in-form attacker heading into Euro 2025. His late surge makes him one of the most compelling Ballon d’Or stories of the year.

Palmer’s Key Stats:

• Club World Cup Golden Ball winner

• Led Chelsea in goals and assists in 2024/25 season

• Vital goals in UCL and FA Cup runs

• Youthful energy combined with elite finishing

4. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG & France) – The Most Complete Winger

Ousmane Dembélé finally fulfilled his potential in the 2024/25 season. As PSG’s most dynamic attacker, he helped the French giants secure a treble. His pace, dribbling, and unpredictability tormented defenders across Ligue 1 and Europe.

Despite a quiet Club World Cup final, Dembélé’s body of work throughout the season ensures his spot among the top contenders. His performances in the Champions League knockout rounds, particularly against Bayern and City, defined PSG’s historic run.

Why Dembélé Stays in the Race:

• Champions League heroics

• 20+ assists in all competitions

• Consistent form in Ligue 1

• Impactful showings for France

5. Raphinha (Barcelona & Brazil) – The Silent Killer

Raphinha continues to shine as one of Barcelona’s most reliable forwards. While Yamal garners the headlines, Raphinha often finishes the plays or creates space with intelligent movement. His stats show a clear impact: double-digit goals and assists, plus critical contributions in Champions League matches.

Although he missed the Club World Cup, his success at club and international level bolsters his Ballon d’Or candidacy. With Brazil eyeing Copa America glory, Raphinha could yet climb the rankings further.

What Makes Raphinha Stand Out:

• Champions League winner

• Tactical intelligence and work rate

• Goals in clutch knockout games

• Chemistry with Yamal and Gavi boosts Barcelona’s attack

6. Nuno Mendes (PSG & Portugal) – Europe’s Most Underrated Full-Back

Nuno Mendes took full control of PSG’s left flank this season. His blend of defensive awareness, crossing ability, and stamina made him essential to PSG’s European success. Mendes delivered key assists during the Champions League campaign and marked the world’s best wingers with confidence.

Fans and pundits alike began to recognize his quiet excellence. If Portugal performs well at Euro 2025, Mendes could crack the Ballon d’Or top 5.

7. Achraf Hakimi (PSG & Morocco) – The Right Flank Dynamo

Hakimi played every major match for PSG and offered both defensive security and attacking thrust. His overlapping runs and dangerous deliveries added another layer to PSG’s multi-dimensional offense.

Hakimi’s international form with Morocco remains solid, and his big-match consistency strengthens his Ballon d’Or case. His pace and discipline make him one of the best full-backs in the world today.

8. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt) – The Consistent Scorer

Mohamed Salah remains one of the most prolific forwards in football. He won the Premier League Golden Boot and led Liverpool to the title. However, his impact in Europe dipped after Liverpool exited the Champions League early.

His absence from the Club World Cup and lack of major international trophies may push him down the ladder. Still, Salah’s goal tally and leadership cannot be ignored.

9. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG & Italy) – The Wall Between the Posts

Few goalkeepers match Donnarumma’s clutch ability. He saved penalties in the UCL semifinals and performed well in Ligue 1 and the Club World Cup. His aerial command and distribution improved significantly this season, making him PSG’s backbone.

If PSG continue their dominance, Donnarumma could become the first keeper in decades to challenge for a Ballon d’Or podium finish.

10. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France) – Still Prolific, But Trophy-Less

Kylian Mbappé scored more goals than anyone in Europe, winning the Golden Shoe. Yet, he missed out on major silverware after Real Madrid’s early Champions League exit and failure to win La Liga. Without club success, even his brilliant stats might not carry enough weight for a top Ballon d’Or spot.

Mbappé still draws global attention, and a strong Euro 2025 campaign could rescue his hopes.

Final Thoughts: An Open Race with Young Faces

Unlike past years where Messi, Ronaldo, or Modrić dominated the Ballon d’Or narrative, 2025 showcases a fresh generation of talent. Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, and Vitinha lead a charge that combines club glory with individual genius.

With the ceremony scheduled for September 22, 2025, fans can expect one of the most dramatic and competitive Ballon d’Or races in modern football history. If the current trajectory holds, Yamal could become the youngest winner ever, signaling a generational shift in world football.