Ballon d'Or 2025 rankings: Ousmane Dembele Favourite to Win Ahead of Lamine Yamal
- Ousmane Dembele stunning 35-goal season for PSG has placed him firmly in pole position to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris
- At just 18 years old, Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has delivered a historic campaign with 18 goals and 125 assists
- With only 38 hours remaining until the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the spotlight is on the top 10 power rankings
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
The stage is set in Paris as football’s most prestigious individual prize, the Ballon d’Or, will be awarded on Monday, September 22, 2025.
According to GiveMeSport’s latest power rankings, Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele leads the race just a day before the ceremony, edging out Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s prolific Kylian Mbappe.
Source: Getty Images
Dembele predicted to win 2025 Ballon d'Or
Few could have predicted that Dembele would outshine some of the biggest names in world football last season, given his stuggles at Barcelona.
However, according to Transfermarkt, the French winger delivered his most productive campaign yet, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists in 53 games in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain last season.
In the Champions League, Ousmane Dembele was instrumental with 8 goals and 6 assists in 15 appearances, guiding PSG to a historic triumph in Munich.
Impressive numbers and consistency are what set Dembele apart. Long criticised for these key metrics earlier in his career, the 2024/25 season finally showcased the best of his dribbling, creativity, and ability to decide matches under pressure.
Behind Dembele sits Lamine Yamal, who missed out on Barcelona's recent Champions League victory at Newcastle United.
The 18-year-old contributed 18 goals and 125 assists in all competitions in 2024/25, becoming one of the reliable creative avenues of Hansi Flick's attack.
His composure on the ball, vision, and knack for producing moments of magic have already drawn comparisons with Barcelona greats of the past.
Although still a teenager, his performances in both domestic and European football have made him one of the most exciting prospects in the world. A top-three Ballon d’Or finish at his age would be historic.
Source: Getty Images
Ballon d'Or rankings
Meanwhile, with less than 38 hours from now until the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday, here are GiveMeSport's the top 10 power rankings.
1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
4. Raphinha (Barcelona)
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
6. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
8. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
9. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
10. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain).
Organisers inform Dembele he's won Ballon d'Or
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted claims from a popular football account on X alleging that organisers had already informed Ousmane Dembélé he would be crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
The speculation created a stir among fans worldwide, with many debating whether the leak was genuine or simply part of the usual pre-award buzz.
Source: YEN.com.gh
