Top 5 Ballon d'Or 2025 Scores: Yamal Trails Leader by 10 Points

ZonalSports has presented facts and rated the top 5 contenders for the 2025 Ballon d'Or title.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 104.36 points

With an almost ageless playing style, Salah continues to build his own legend in the Premier League. Playing all 38 matches, he scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists, leading both categories and nearly breaking the 20-assist record held by Henry and De Bruyne.

He not only scored the most goals in Europe's top five leagues but also had the highest number of assists, demonstrating comprehensive effectiveness similar to Lionel Messi. Participating directly in goals in 86.2% of Premier League matches in the 2024/25 season, the highest rate among players with at least 20 appearances, Salah's season perfectly combined efficiency and consistency.

However, his three goals and four assists in nine Champions League matches were modest, especially in the Round of 16 loss to PSG. Still, with Liverpool winning the Premier League, Salah retains a slim chance to finish in the Ballon d'Or top 3.

4. Vitinha (PSG) - 109.59 points

With six goals, two assists, a 95% pass accuracy, and an average of 5.6 ball recoveries per Champions League match, Vitinha is proving the value of a modern midfielder.

In the first leg of the quarterfinal against Aston Villa, he had 164 touches, achieved 97% pass accuracy, made three interceptions, and provided three key passes. The Portuguese star elevated coach Luis Enrique’s possession style with an average of six accurate long passes per match and clean tackling, helping PSG balance style and effectiveness.

Although hailed as "Europe's best midfielder" and instrumental in winning Ligue 1 and the French Super Cup, the Ballon d'Or spotlight remains on Dembele. To craft a fairy tale like Modric in 2018, Vitinha needs more than just a Champions League title: he must shine in the semifinals against Arsenal with a Man of the Match award and a direct impact through goals or assists.

3. Raphinha (Barcelona) – 113.20 points

In the 2024/25 season, Raphinha exploded under coach Hans Flick after being given a new role, evolving from a winger to Barcelona’s key attacking player.

The Brazilian forward scored 18 goals and provided nine assists to help the team win La Liga, while also leading the Champions League with 13 goals and 8 assists, matching Ronaldo’s record of 21 goal contributions in the 2013/14 season. Raphinha also made history as the first player to be both top scorer and top assister in a single Champions League season.

Not only effective, he is also a major creative force for Barca, ranking among Europe’s best in expected goals and expected assists.

The 1996-born star especially shone in big matches: scoring a brace against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, a hat-trick versus Bayern Munich, and delivering a decisive performance in the final El Clasico of the season that secured Barca’s 28th La Liga title. In the Champions League, he also contributed to goals against Dortmund and Inter, reinforcing his status as a Ballon d'Or contender.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 120.97 points

Lamine Yamal made a name for himself with a solo goal against Inter, becoming the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal. In the second leg, although he didn’t score or assist, his outstanding performance included 14 dribbles (just behind Messi and Zanetti’s records), forcing Sommer to make five saves and causing Inter’s defense to commit seven fouls to stop him.

Last season, Yamal ranked second to Salah in assists across Europe, led the world in dribbles, and stood out with his trademark trivela passes. Barcelona’s right flank flourished thanks to him, and in the Copa del Rey, Yamal continued to shine by making an impact in every final he started (except the UEFA Nations League). Ending the tournament, the 2007-born star led in assists and contributed 7 goals, ranking second overall.

With brilliant form and a domestic treble, Yamal has surpassed Raphinha in many fans’ eyes, becoming a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or.

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG) - 135.50 points

Once labeled "glass foot," Ousmane Dembele has now become a pillar of PSG and a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. He played a key role in PSG clinching the Ligue 1 title six rounds early, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 29 matches. However, his biggest mark was helping PSG win their first-ever Champions League trophy, a feat Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe have yet to achieve. In the final, Dembele shined with two assists, contributing to the 5-0 victory over Inter.

Dembele’s efficiency is remarkable: one goal every 73 minutes, the best rate among Europe’s top five leagues. The 1997-born star ranks in the top 5 in Ligue 1 for most key stats including goals, shots, chances created, and progressive passes. Under coach Enrique, he was given a free role, forming a strong partnership with Kvaratskhelia and becoming Europe’s top scorer in 2025.

Throughout the European title run, Dembele consistently impressed: assisting against Aston Villa, scoring and assisting in both legs versus Arsenal, and making notable contributions against Man City and Liverpool. With this historic treble and his leading role, Dembele is almost certain to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Frenchman this century to claim the prestigious award.

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