Ballon d'Or 2025: New Rankings Emerge After Mohamed Salah Exits Champions League
- Mohamed Salah's hopes of winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or have taken a major hit after Liverpool's Champions League exit at the hands of PSG
- With European success playing a crucial role in the award's outcome, his chances have significantly diminished
- Now, Salah must deliver an exceptional Premier League campaign while hoping his rivals struggle in the Champions League
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Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Liverpool 4-1 on penalties, following a 1-0 win in normal time that leveled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate.
Liverpool started brightly, with Mohamed Salah nearly giving them the lead, but PSG capitalised on a defensive lapse, with Ousmane Dembélé converting from a Bradley Barcola assist.
Source: Getty Images
Despite Liverpool’s pressure in the second half, PSG held firm, forcing extra time and eventually triumphing in the penalty shootout, where Salah scored, but misses from Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones proved costly.
Updated Ballon d'Or rankings
With Liverpool’s elimination, Salah’s hopes of becoming the first African Ballon d’Or winner since 1995 have taken a major hit, as Champions League success is often a key factor in the award’s outcome.
As the tournament heads into its decisive stages, the Ballon d’Or race remains wide open, with new frontrunners emerging.
YEN.com.gh analyses the updated rankings and who stands the best chance of winning the prestigious Golden Ball in 2025.
1. Raphinha
Raphinha has arguably been the standout performer in Barcelona’s electric front three this season, and his impressive goal and assist tally backs that up.
However, despite his form, the Brazilian remains the least-heralded of the Blaugrana's attacking trio and will need an extraordinary statistical output to truly contend for the Ballon d'Or.
That said, he is playing the best football of his career and has every chance to establish himself as a serious Golden Ball contender by season’s end.
2. Mohamed Salah
If this is to be Salah’s final season at Liverpool, he is determined to go out on a high.
Under new coach Arne Slot, ‘The Egyptian King’ has rediscovered his best form, leading the Reds' charge for the Premier League title while also being a strong contender in the Champions League.
At 32, age is no barrier, and if he can guide Liverpool to silverware, he could become Africa’s first Ballon d'Or winner since George Weah in 1995.
Source: Getty Images
3. Vinicius Junior
After finishing second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race, Vinicius vowed to come back stronger, believing he should have been the winner.
The Real Madrid winger was in scintillating form during the first half of the season, proving to be one of the most unplayable forwards in world football.
However, a sluggish start to 2025 has hampered his momentum, and he will need to regain top form to help Madrid defend their La Liga and Champions League crowns.
4. Lamine Yamal
No player has ever won the Ballon d'Or before turning 21, but Yamal appears destined to break that record, with three seasons still to achieve it.
The Barcelona prodigy is already the most exciting young talent in world football, and his performances in 2024-25 indicate that he is only getting better.
While he is being outscored by two of his teammates, many La Liga watchers believe he has been the most impressive player in Spain this season.
5. Robert Lewandowski
After being snubbed from the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist, it seemed Lewandowski’s quest for the Golden Ball had reached its end.
However, under former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona, the 36-year-old has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch, proving he's still one of Europe's elite No.9s.
While age may eventually slow him down and flashier talents surround him, his stellar form this season has firmly put him back in the Ballon d'Or conversation.
6. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s transition to Real Madrid had a rocky start, but he is now thriving, establishing himself as the main man at the Bernabeu.
His hat-trick against Manchester City was a statement of intent, showing that he is ready to dominate on the biggest stage.
Given his long-standing desire to win the Ballon d'Or, he could finally achieve that dream if his current form continues.
7. Harry Kane
Could this finally be the year that Kane wins the first major trophy of his career?
Bayern Munich have positioned themselves well under Vincent Kompany, with Kane once again proving to be a goal-scoring machine despite turning 31.
While Rodri’s 2024 win proved that goals alone don’t guarantee Ballon d'Or success, Kane’s all-around game could make him a strong candidate if he leads Bayern to domestic and European glory.
8. Julian Alvarez
Atletico Madrid raised eyebrows by spending €95 million on Alvarez, and early struggles led to comparisons with Joao Felix’s ill-fated move.
However, the Argentine has steadily improved, netting 10 La Liga goals while excelling in cup competitions.
With Atletico in the La Liga title race, Copa del Rey semi-finals, and still alive in the Champions League, Alvarez has an opportunity to cement himself as a serious Ballon d'Or contender.
9. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham’s stunning debut season at Real Madrid set an almost impossible standard to maintain.
While his goal-scoring dipped in early 2024-25 as he adapted to Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, he has since rediscovered his impact in the final third.
If he continues delivering key performances and avoids suspensions, another top-three Ballon d'Or finish is within reach.
10. Pedri
Though his goal and assist numbers aren’t eye-catching, Pedri’s influence on Barcelona has been undeniable. Injury-free for the first time in years, he is finally fulfilling his immense potential under Hansi Flick.
To truly enter the Ballon d'Or race, he will need to replicate his domestic form in the Champions League, but with Barcelona receiving a favorable draw, he has a chance to be the midfield maestro guiding them to the final.
Vinícius reaches 100 goals with Real Madrid
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Vinícius Júnior celebrated a milestone in Real Madrid’s 5-1 victory over Salzburg on Wednesday, reaching 100 goals for the club and securing their spot in the Champions League playoffs.
The Brazilian forward scored twice, bringing his Champions League tally to 28 goals, placing him third among Brazilian scorers in the competition.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
