Ballon d’Or 2025: Main contenders for men’s and women’s awards
Men’s Ballon d’Or Contenders
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race features several standout players:
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembélé had a remarkable season with PSG, contributing 43 goals and assists in 44 matches across Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His performance was instrumental in PSG’s historic treble, which included victories in Ligue 1, the Champions League, and the Coupe de France. (skysports.com)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 18, Yamal made a significant impact for Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists. His efforts were crucial in securing La Liga and the Copa del Rey titles for the club. (skysports.com)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah led Liverpool to a Premier League title, netting 29 goals and delivering 18 assists. His contributions were vital, even though Liverpool faced an early exit from the Champions League. (skysports.com)
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha had an outstanding season, amassing 39 goals and 25 assists. His performances were key to Barcelona’s domestic success, including winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. (112.ua)
Scott McTominay (Napoli)
McTominay was named Serie A Player of the Year after scoring 12 goals and providing six assists, helping Napoli secure the league title. (skysports.com)
Women’s Ballon d’Or Contenders
The women’s Ballon d’Or features several exceptional players:
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona/Spain)
Bonmati, a two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner, continued her impressive form, contributing 12 goals and six assists. She played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Champions League final run and Spain’s journey to the Euro 2025 final. (theanalyst.com)
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
Caldentey had a stellar season, scoring 21 goals and providing 18 assists for both Arsenal and Spain. Her performances were instrumental in Arsenal’s Champions League victory. (tntsports.co.uk)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Putellas scored 27 goals and registered 21 assists, leading Barcelona to Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup titles. (tntsports.co.uk)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Russo was joint-top scorer in the Women’s Super League and scored the equalizer for England in the Euro 2025 final. (shekicks.net)
Millie Bright (Chelsea)
As Chelsea’s captain, Bright led the team to a domestic treble, winning the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup. (tntsports.co.uk)
Table: Men’s Ballon d’Or Contenders
| Player | Club | Goals | Assists | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain | 43 | – | Ligue 1, Champions League, Coupe de France winner |
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 18 | 25 | La Liga, Copa del Rey winner |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 29 | 18 | Premier League winner |
| Raphinha | Barcelona | 39 | 25 | La Liga, Copa del Rey winner |
| Scott McTominay | Napoli | 12 | 6 | Serie A Player of the Year, League champion |
Table: Women’s Ballon d’Or Contenders
| Player | Club | Goals | Assists | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aitana Bonmati | Barcelona | 12 | 6 | Champions League finalist, Euro 2025 finalist |
| Mariona Caldentey | Arsenal | 21 | 18 | Champions League winner |
| Alexia Putellas | Barcelona | 27 | 21 | Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup winner |
| Alessia Russo | Arsenal | – | – | Women’s Super League joint-top scorer, Euro 2025 final goal scorer |
| Millie Bright | Chelsea | – | – | Women’s Super League, FA Cup, League Cup winner |
These players have demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, making them strong contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
