With Rodri sidelined due to a season-ending injury, the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or is wide open — and it's now Ousmane Dembélé's to lose. The PSG winger has pulled ahead of the pack as rivals like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha lose steam following Barcelona’s Champions League exit.
GOAL's updated power rankings reflect shifts in form and key performances across domestic and European competitions:
Top Contenders:
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): In top form and central to PSG’s Champions League charge.
- Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP): A sensational 61-goal season; could still reach 70.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal): Boosted by dominant Champions League displays.
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG): Eight goals, 15 assists, 18 clean sheets — elite at both ends.
- Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid): 22 goals, 16 assists; slight dip in 2025 form.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): 14 goals, 17 assists; but inconsistency remains a concern.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Breakout season for club and country, but Barca’s UCL exit dented his case.
- Raphinha (Barcelona): Electric performances earlier in the season; now fading post-Champions League.
As the season winds down, late heroics in the Champions League and international tournaments could tilt the balance for several stars.
