Ballon d’Or Power Rankings 2025: Vinícius’ Revenge, Lewandowski’s Opportunity, and the Race for the Top Spot

The Ballon D’or 2024 was announced finally, and it was no less than a blast. While for some, the expectations were not met, for a lot of football fans, the authorities have crowned the rightful winner.

The evening was full of football shenanigans. From teams refusing to attend the ceremony to players raising their voice to what they believe.

The night marked a new era as it was first time ever when both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was not present in the ceremony. We finally have seen the Ronaldo-Messi domination have come to an end.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or is won by Rodri. The Spanish defensive midfielder had been the key towards Spain’s Euro success as well as Man City’s campaign last season.

While the individual brilliance has already been awarded to the best player in the season, due to the season-long injury, Rodri is less likely to defend the crown.

So, what does the Ballon d’Or power rankings 2025 look like? In this post we will have a closer look at it.

Ballon d’Or Power Rankings 2025: Top 10

10. Bukayo Saka

The Englishman keeps on getting better each season. In 2024-25 season so far, he has seven assists and four goals. There’s a reason why the Gunners call him the Starboy. After missing a few games, the Arsenal Winger have come out strong, especially in their fixture against Liverpool where the Englishman scored a stunning goal. 

He is one of the most important cogs in Arteta’s play. If he keeps up the pace and momentum, he’ll surely be a strong contender for Ballon d’Or Power Rankings 2025.

9. Pedri

Gone are those days when Barca were in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The arrival of Hansi Flick had changed things for the best. Be it the discipline or passion, Camp Nou has been very different this season. And among the warriors, Pedri has been leading the team by example.

The Spanish International has three goals and two assists so far in the season. He had also been a key player on Spain’s Euro win before he got injured. While staying fit is an issue for the Spaniard, if he conquers that, he will conquer the best midfielder discussion.

Also Read: List of all men’s Ballon d’Or winners so far

8. Kylian Mbappe

The transfer saga finally ended. While the Frenchman’s arrival at Los Blancos raised eyes on how Ancelotti will approach a game with two world class left wingers, his arrival has been welcomed with the UEFA Super Cup. The ex-PSG player had scored eight goals and have two assists so far in the 2024-25 season.

While the Spanish Giants have struggled recently with their fixtures, there is no doubt that the Frenchman can up the level of a game in an instant. 

While he is the star of Los Blancos, unfortunately he is now in a Club where there is a more promising player who is the bigger contender for the trophy than him. But he will certainly be in the Ballon d’Or Power Rankings 2025.

7. Mohamed Salah

Nobody knows why the Egyptian King was not in the nominees of Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees. It would be a disaster for the authorities if someone wants to reason this argument with stats. Regardless, the Egyptian International has bagged 10 goals and 7 assists this season so far. As per the criteria set by the Ballon d’Or, he is a serious contender for Ballon d’Or Power Rankings 2025.

So far, Arne Slot has approached all the competitions to be the crowned champions. And Mo Salah among others has proven to be decisive in every match.

The last time the trophy won by an African was back in 1995 when George Weah was crowned. Will the history be written again in 2025?

6. Harry Kane

While the Bavarians have struggled this season so far, in terms of stats, Kane has delivered his performance. Despite being 31, there is no sign of stopping the Englishman. Under the newly appointed coach, Vincent Kompany, he has shined as the 17 goals and 6 assists pretty much speaks for themselves.

Their devastating loss against Barcelona might have made them take a two steps back but the persistence will pay off as the Club is known to be in their winning ways. With the potential to win many trophies this season, the Englishman can lead the charts and establish himself as a strong contender.

5. Rapinha

If there is an example of right mindset guide you to the right path, it is Raphinha. Ever since the days of Leeds, the Brazilian has shown to have a strong character and principles. On his arrival to Barcelona, the ex-Leeds man brought it along with him. While he have struggled a little with Xavi Ball, under Flick, he have been on fire. 

He have made the Spanish pundits rethink the discussion for the best Winger in the League. So far, he has 12 goals and 9 assists in this season, with his recent one gliding on the nets in El Classico. 

He is playing his best football right now and if we speak about momentum, he might spoil a lot of players’ party in the Ballon d’Or podium in 2025.

4. Erling Haaland

Do we really have to talk about his goal tally? The Norwegian had been unreal since his arrival in the Premier League. 

This season, City have started slow. Sure, they are now at the top position of the table. But it was Haaland who made sure of the results while the likes of De Bruyne and Rodri had been inconsistent due to injury. The PFA winner Phil Foden had also started slow as he too is slowly getting his mojo back.

Given the fact the City always picks up their pace in the 2nd half of the season, Erling have a great shot to be crowned next year if he keeps up his goal tally (which is 17 goals so far) and continues to be the key player.

3. Vinicius Jr

While he himself along with many believed that the Brazilian would be crowned this year, it didn’t pan out the way it was visioned. However, the good thing is that the Brazilian have not gave up.

And we all know if Vinicius made a promise, he will deliver to it. We only had the glimpse in post covid when he came back to the field as a new player with oozing confidence. So far the Brazilian has 12 goals and 7 assists this season. He had won the Super Cup as well.

The Winger had been in an electric form so far in the campaign. As the season goes on, he will only get better. And with the potential of Los Blancos winning so many trophies, he will be a strong contender next year again or should we say bring justice by himself in the Ballon d’Or Power Rankings 2025.

Also Read: France Football mock Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr during Ballon d’Or broadcast

2. Lamine Yamal

Crowned champion for the Kopa trophy this year, the Spanish RW had a crazy season. The LA Masia sensation already had outlets talking before the Euros began.

And ever since the Euro win, he had an unreal form for his Club as well. Recently seen posing for a video with the female Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati, the youngster never shies away from replying to the critics and jabs. There are might have been two of his teammates who are leading the goal tally, but if you tune in to LA Liga, you will know how special he is. 

So far, he has 6 goals and 8 assists this season. From smooth movements to amazing agility, he has everything to be better and better as the time passes. And with such team and coach behind him, he will be a serious contender next year.

1. Robert Lewandowski

With 18 goals and 4 assists, do we really need to give a reason why the Polish International should be a strong contender. He has seen it all and done it all. The last time he was in the race, he got beaten by Messi to be the crowned winner. 

This year he is proving up to be getting his form again. The Pole had struggled under Xavi but he has risen through the ashes. His recent amazing performance came against Los Blancos where he scored twice.

As the season progresses, he will add more goals to his name and punch his ticket to the Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings.