Top 10 Ballon d’Or Contenders After Club World Cup Final

The Ballon d’Or Power Rankings After the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The Ballon d’Or power rankings have undergone a significant transformation following the conclusion of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This unique tournament saw some unexpected outcomes, particularly in the final where Chelsea delivered a stunning performance against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions.

Chelsea’s victory was marked by an impressive display from their star player, Cole Palmer. He not only scored two identical goals but also set up Joao Pedro for the third goal in the first half. His outstanding performance has shifted the dynamics of the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, especially after Ousmane Dembele, who was considered a strong contender, had a disappointing showing.

Updated Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

1. Lamine Yamal
   The Barcelona youngster has taken the top spot on the rankings after a remarkable season. At just 18 years old, Yamal scored 18 goals and provided 19 assists across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey victories.

2. Vitinha
   PSG’s midfield maestro, Vitinha, climbed the rankings after a standout performance in the tournament. Despite a dip in the final, he was instrumental in PSG’s success and is seen as a potential successor to Rodri as the Golden Ball winner.

3. Cole Palmer
   Palmer’s heroics in high-stakes matches have propelled him into the top three. His contributions in both the Club World Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League finals were pivotal, earning him the title of best player in the former.

4. Ousmane Dembele
   Dembele fell out of the top three after his underwhelming performance in the final. While he managed three goals and assists in four games, his lack of impact in the decisive match raised questions about his form.

5. Raphinha
   Raphinha remains a strong contender for a top-five finish. However, Lamine Yamal’s exceptional performances and youth have pushed the Brazilian down the rankings.

6. Nuno Mendes
   The Portuguese defender continues to show promise, maintaining his position in the rankings.

7. Achraf Hakimi
   The Moroccan international remains a consistent performer, holding onto his spot in the list.

8. Mohamed Salah
   Salah continues to be a key player for his club and national team, securing his place among the top contenders.

9. Gianluigi Donnarumma
   The Italian goalkeeper’s performances have kept him in the conversation for the prestigious award.

10. Kylian Mbappé
    Mbappé, one of the most recognizable names in football, has made his choice known. He believes that Ousmane Dembele deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or over Lamine Yamal, citing Dembele’s leadership in leading PSG to their first Champions League title.

Key Takeaways

• Cole Palmer’s Rise: His performance in the Club World Cup has elevated his status, proving that he can deliver when it matters most.
• Dembele’s Decline: Despite being a favorite, his poor showing in the final has cost him a top-three position.
• Yamal’s Potential: The young Barcelona star has shown incredible talent and is now the clear favorite in the rankings.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is more competitive than ever, with several players vying for the top spot. As the season progresses, fans and analysts will be closely watching how these rankings evolve.