{"id":5841,"date":"2025-07-17T09:56:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T06:56:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/?p=5841"},"modified":"2025-07-17T09:56:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T06:56:39","slug":"ballon-dor-2025-ranking-the-top-contenders-for-footballs-ultimate-prize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/ballon-dor-2025-ranking-the-top-contenders-for-footballs-ultimate-prize\/","title":{"rendered":"Ballon d&#8217;Or 2025 Ranking the Top Contenders for Football\u2019s Ultimate Prize"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uefa.com\/ballondor\/\"> <strong>Ballon d&#8217;Or 2025<\/strong><\/a> race is heating up as the football season wraps up with dramatic club and international finales. With PSG\u2019s treble-winning campaign, Barcelona\u2019s domestic dominance, and standout individual performances across Europe, the competition is fierce. Here&#8217;s a detailed look at the top contenders, their achievements, and their chances of lifting the Golden Ball this September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;1. Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 (Paris Saint-Germain &amp; France)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He Leads the Race:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 38 goals, 14 assists across all competitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Troph\u00e9e des Champions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Starred in PSG\u2019s Champions League final win with two assists; consistent match-winner throughout the season<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"442\" height=\"544\" data-id=\"5846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-10.jpg 442w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-10-244x300.jpg 244w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-10-150x185.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-10-300x369.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-10-324x400.jpg 324w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 has transformed from a mercurial talent to PSG\u2019s talisman. Despite a quiet Club World Cup final, his season-long brilliance makes him the frontrunner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;2. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain &amp; Portugal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s Rising Fast:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 8 goals, 5 assists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> Same treble as Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 + UEFA Nations League with Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Role:<\/strong> PSG\u2019s midfield metronome; dictated tempo and controlled games with elite passing and press resistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"549\" data-id=\"5847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-11.jpg 410w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-11-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-11-150x201.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-11-300x402.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Like Rodri in 2024, Vitinha\u2019s influence from deep midfield has earned widespread acclaim. His Nations League win adds a crucial international edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;3. Raphinha (Barcelona &amp; Brazil)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s a Strong Contender:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 34 goals, 25 assists \u2013 most in Europe\u2019s top five leagues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Led Barcelona\u2019s treble-winning attack; historic Champions League campaign despite semi-final exit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"388\" height=\"541\" data-id=\"5848\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-12.jpg 388w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-12-215x300.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-12-150x209.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-12-300x418.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Raphinha\u2019s evolution under Hansi Flick has been remarkable. His numbers rival Salah\u2019s, but lack of European silverware may hurt his chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona &amp; Spain)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s Making History:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 18 goals, 25 assists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> Same domestic treble as Raphinha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Dazzled in Champions League and Nations League; youngest ever Ballon d&#8217;Or contender<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"416\" height=\"528\" data-id=\"5849\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5849\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-13.jpg 416w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-13-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-13-150x190.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-13-300x381.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 416px) 100vw, 416px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> At just 17, Yamal\u2019s flair and maturity have drawn Messi comparisons. If he wins, he\u2019ll be the youngest Ballon d&#8217;Or winner ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool &amp; Egypt)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s Still in the Mix:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 34 goals, 23 assists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> Premier League title<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Dominated domestically but faltered in Europe; missed Club World Cup<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"553\" height=\"360\" data-id=\"5850\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-14.jpg 553w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-14-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-14-150x98.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 553px) 100vw, 553px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Salah\u2019s numbers are elite, but his Champions League exit and lack of international success may keep him off the podium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;6. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain &amp; Morocco)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s a Dark Horse:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 11 goals, 16 assists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> PSG\u2019s treble + strong Club World Cup showing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Dominated right flank; rare defender with attacking influence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"395\" height=\"545\" data-id=\"5852\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-15.jpg 395w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-15-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-15-150x207.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-15-300x414.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Hakimi\u2019s consistency and versatility make him a rare defensive contender. He\u2019s pushing boundaries for full-backs in Ballon d&#8217;Or history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;7. Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 (Real Madrid &amp; France)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s Slipping:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 43 goals, 5 assists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> UEFA Super Cup only<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Strong individual stats but Real Madrid\u2019s trophyless season hurts his case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"541\" data-id=\"5853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-16.jpg 473w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-16-262x300.jpg 262w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-16-150x172.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-16-300x343.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s move to Madrid hasn\u2019t yielded silverware. Despite his Golden Shoe win, he\u2019s behind PSG\u2019s stars in the rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;8. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich &amp; England)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why He\u2019s in the Top 10:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stats:<\/strong> 41 goals, 14 assists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trophies:<\/strong> Bundesliga title<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Prolific scorer but early European exit limits his chances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"520\" data-id=\"5854\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5854\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-17.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-17-208x300.jpg 208w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-17-150x217.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Ballon-dor-17-300x433.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Narrative:<\/strong> Kane\u2019s numbers are elite, but lack of Champions League success keeps him from serious contention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;Honorable Mentions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Player<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Club(s)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pedri<\/td><td>Barcelona<\/td><td>Midfield maestro; treble winner<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cole Palmer<\/td><td>Chelsea<\/td><td>Club World Cup MVP; late surge in form<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Desire Dou\u00e9<\/td><td>PSG<\/td><td>Best Young Player at Club World Cup<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Khvicha Kvaratskhelia<\/td><td>PSG\/Napoli<\/td><td>Creative spark in key Champions League ties<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ballon d&#8217;Or ceremony will be held on <strong>September 22, 2025<\/strong>, in Paris. With club seasons concluded and international tournaments wrapped up, voters now weigh individual brilliance, team success, and narrative impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who\u2019s your pick for the Ballon d&#8217;Or 2025?<\/strong> Would you go with Demb\u00e9l\u00e9\u2019s dominance, Vitinha\u2019s midfield mastery, or Yamal\u2019s historic rise? Let\u2019s break it down further or explore underdog cases like Palmer or Hakimi.<br><br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/bangbet.com\">Bangbet <\/a>More Than Win!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0The Ballon d&#8217;Or 2025 race is heating up as the football season wraps up with dramatic club and international finales. With PSG\u2019s treble-winning campaign, Barcelona\u2019s domestic dominance, and standout individual performances across Europe, the competition is fierce. Here&#8217;s a detailed look at the top contenders, their achievements, and their chances of lifting the Golden Ball [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5845,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[635,636,637,638,639],"class_list":{"0":"post-5841","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football-news","8":"tag-ballon-dor","9":"tag-ballon-dor-2025","10":"tag-ballon-dor-candidates","11":"tag-dembele-ballon-dor","12":"tag-yamal-ballon-dor"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5841"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5856,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5841\/revisions\/5856"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}