🌟 Ballon d’Or 2025: Updated Rankings After Dembélé’s Club World Cup Final Setback
By Profmediaco
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race has entered its final lap—and the recent Club World Cup final has shaken things up. Ousmane Dembélé’s incredible season with PSG saw him surge to the top, but Chelsea’s shocking 3-0 win in New Jersey has shifted the spotlight elsewhere. Here’s an in-depth look at how this landmark match has redefined the hierarchy as we head toward the September 22 gala in Paris.
🗓️ 1. The Timeline: From PSL Glory to CWC Disappointment
Dembélé's 2024–25 season has been nothing short of spectacular. After a slow start at PSG, a switch to a central role under Luis Enrique unleashed his full potential. He ended the Ligue 1 campaign with 33 goals and 15 assists, claimed the league’s top scorer crown, and earned the Player of the Year award.
He was instrumental in PSG’s 5-0 Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan—so influential that coach Enrique publicly declared: “If he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, that’s the Ballon’s problem.” (FourFourTwo, The Guardian)
Fast forward to July: PSG stormed into the expanded Club World Cup final in New Jersey—undefeated until a shocking 3-0 defeat by Chelsea. Cole Palmer starred for the Blues (two goals, one assist), capturing Player of the Tournament honors . While Palmer’s form opened the door for contender talk, Dembélé’s absence from the decisive match has created a narrative shift.
📊 2. Pre-Final Rankings: Dembélé Leading the Pack
Before the final, Ballon d’Or power rankings were clear:
1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – top of the board after a massive season (TNT Sports, Daily Futbol)
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – dazzling at just 17, with league and Champions League heroics (Vanguard News)
3. Raphinha (Barcelona) – spearheaded Barça’s treble-winning run (Vanguard News)
Others rounding out the contenders included Vitinha, Salah, Mbappé, Doué, and Hakimi (Daily Post Nigeria).
⚽ 3. Club World Cup Fallout: What Shook the Rankings 🔻 Dembélé: Still the Favorite but Not Untouchable
Though PSG lost, his season-long brilliance keeps him firmly at the top—with Vanguard and Tuko confirming he remains the frontrunner (Vanguard News). Goal.com and Football365 also listed him secure in first, insisting a single loss won’t topple his campaign (TNT Sports).
🔼 Cole Palmer: The New Contender
Chelsea’s hero is now in Ballon conversations. TalkSport listed him at 33/1 odds after his brace (Talksport). DailyPost, however, advised caution—Palmer was called top-10 material, not yet podium material (Daily Post Nigeria).
⚖️ Other Movers:
Vitinha: PSG’s midfield metronome soared into the top 10 after his Club World Cup showing (Bleacher Report).
Achraf Hakimi: Credited with a +2 ranking boost thanks to defensive/attacking displays (Vanguard News).
Lamine Yamal: Held firm in the top 3, even without Club World Cup appearances (Daily Post Nigeria).
🥇 4. Competitive Rundown: The Top 10 Race Now
1.Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Still #1 after a sensational season, despite final loss (Vanguard News).
2.Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
17-year-old phenom; maintained strong form and league position (Vanguard News).
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Integral to Barça’s treble run, remained top 3 .
4. Vitinha (PSG)
Defensive heartbeat with elite pass stats at CWC (Bleacher Report).
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
PL Golden Boot winner; slight drop due to CWC absence (Vanguard News).
6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
38-goal season, but early CL exit hurt case; still remains high (Daily Post Nigeria, Daily Futbol).
7. Désiré Doué (PSG)
Young standout, Best Young Player at CWC (Daily Post Nigeria).
8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Solid 14 goals; lacks big CWC final appearance, dipped slightly (Daily Post Nigeria).
9. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
+2 post-CWC; consistent contributions both ends (Bleacher Report).
10. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Boosted on form, CWC hero; top 10 contender (Talksport, Daily Post Nigeria).
🔍 5. What Voters Might Focus On 🎯 Performance Metrics:
Goals, assists, big-game impact (Dembélé, Mbappé, Salah, Palmer).
Midfield control (Vitinha).
Young talent influence (Yamal, Doué).
🏆 Team Success:
PSG’s continental treble & CWC final appearance.
Barcelona’s domestic treble.
Liverpool’s PL title.
Chelsea’s surprise global title.
🎬 Narrative:
Dembélé’s redemption arc.
Yamal’s teenage revolution.
Palmer’s breakout moment.
Whether CWC performance tilts voter opinion.
⏭️ 6. Road to the Ballon Night – What to Watch
Late-season form: Any standout moves into August could sway voters.
Odds vs. Sentiment: Despite bookies placing Dembélé as favorite (7/4), Yamal (3/1), Raphinha (5/1) remain strong contenders (Flashscore, Daily Futbol, The Guardian, TNT Sports).
Club accolades: Expected nominees for Gerd Müller Trophy, Yashin, and Kopa might boost visibility.
💭 7. Who Might Surpass Dembélé?
•Cole Palmer: If he keeps shining at Premier League or CL level.
•Vitinha: Rare defensive midfielder pushing top 5 is notable.
•Mohamed Salah: If he replicates big-game impact next season.
📝 8. Final Thoughts: The Race to Paris
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be one of the most riveting in recent memory. Dembélé remains the favorite due to his outstanding season and continental dominance, but the Club World Cup verdict—particularly Palmer’s heroics—has rekindled debate. Meanwhile, prodigies like Yamal and Doué, alongside world-class performers like Salah and Mbappé, ensure this is not a one-horse contest.
As September approaches, it’s clear: the award will not just be about goals, but about moments—moments that define careers, shape tournaments, and capture imaginations around the world.
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