10 Contenders for the Ballon d’Or 2025 Award After the UCL Final

After the Champions League final on Saturday, the Ballon d’Or conversation is heating up. With PSG’s historic treble and some individual masterclasses across Europe, the spotlight is firmly on ten players whose performances this season have set them apart.

One big player that stands out is Ousmane Dembélé, the PSG winger who turned doubters into believers. After years of injury setbacks and inconsistency, this season felt like a redemption arc.

Dembélé wasn’t just flashy, he was decisive. His creative flair, work rate, and ability to rise in big moments were central to PSG’s treble: a Ligue 1 title, a Coupe de France win, and a Champions League demolition of Inter Milan. 

That 5-0 final scoreline wasn’t just about team dominance, it was Dembélé’s statement on the biggest stage.

Hot on his heels is Lamine Yamal, the teenage wonder lighting up Barcelona’s attack. Despite his age, Yamal’s maturity, vision, and ability to influence games have been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s not just one for the future anymore, he’s a serious contender right now.

His teammate, Raphinha, also deserves credit. While Yamal brought the spark, Raphinha delivered consistency and cutting edge. His influence in Barca’s run this season has kept him firmly in the Ballon d’Or discussion.

Then there’s Mohamed Salah, still proving that age is just a number. The Liverpool forward was once again the heartbeat of his side scoring, assisting, and dragging them over the line in countless games. 

Whether or not he lifts the trophy, Salah’s presence in this conversation is a reflection of his enduring class.

Lautaro Martínez also makes the cut, despite Inter Milan’s forgettable night in the Champions League final. The Argentine forward had a brilliant domestic season, leading Serie A’s scoring charts and showcasing a complete forward’s skillset.

From PSG’s camp again, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma earns his place after a rock-solid season between the sticks. In high-pressure matches, his saves often meant the difference between victory and disaster.

Another PSG name rising fast is Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian attacker added unpredictability and flair to PSG’s front line. He’s not just been good, he’s been unplayable at times.

Barça’s Pedri also gets a nod. Though injuries interrupted parts of his season, his influence when fit was undeniable. His control of the midfield and reading of the game remind fans why he’s still one of Europe’s brightest talents.

Kylian Mbappé finds himself on the list too, even though this wasn’t his flashiest season. While Dembélé stole the show, Mbappé’s contributions, especially in Ligue 1 and Europe, were still elite-level. 

Any Ballon d’Or shortlist feels incomplete without him. Rounding out the top 10 is another PSG star, Désiré Doué. He may not have grabbed headlines like the others, but within the squad, he’s been a quiet force, consistently dependable and often decisive.