Ballon d’Or 2025: Ranking the Top Five After PSG’s Champions League Triumph
Paris Saint-Germain have finally etched their name into European football’s elite after capturing their maiden UEFA Champions League title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on Saturday night.
The emphatic triumph not only ended PSG’s long pursuit of continental glory but also sent shockwaves through the global football landscape, potentially reshaping the 2025 Ballon d’Or race.
Doué Double Headlines Historic Night for PSG
Luis Enrique’s side put in a performance for the ages, dominating from the opening whistle to the final minute. Teenage sensation Désiré Doué led the charge with a sensational brace, while Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu each found the back of the net to seal a night of celebration for the French champions.
The victory capped off an extraordinary season for PSG, who also secured a domestic treble earlier this month. With this win, the Parisian giants have not only banished their European demons but positioned their star players firmly in the global spotlight.
Ballon d’Or 2025: Top Contenders After PSG’s Triumph
The Champions League final often serves as a key deciding factor in Ballon d’Or deliberations, and this year is no different. With the dust now settled on the club football season, here’s a breakdown of the top five contenders for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
Salah was a frontrunner earlier in the season, thanks to a blistering run of form and eye-catching numbers: 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions. He also played a pivotal role in delivering the Premier League title to Liverpool in Arne Slot’s debut campaign.
However, Liverpool’s Round of 16 exit at the hands of PSG significantly weakened the Egyptian’s Ballon d’Or case. Despite the domestic triumph, the absence of European success may prove costly.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain/Italy)
Goalkeepers are seldom in contention for the Ballon d’Or, but Donnarumma is making a rare and compelling case. The Italian international was instrumental in PSG’s Champions League journey, registering 21 saves in the knockout rounds — including key stops in a dramatic penalty shootout against Liverpool.
While his involvement in the final was minimal due to PSG’s dominance, his performances en route to Wembley may rekindle discussions last held during Lev Yashin’s historic 1963 win — the only goalkeeper ever to take home the award.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
Barcelona’s teenage prodigy continues to dazzle on the big stage. At just 17, Yamal finished the season with an astounding 18 goals and 25 assists, playing a central role in Barça’s domestic treble.
Still, his Ballon d’Or hopes may hinge on upcoming international fixtures. Failure to progress past the UEFA Nations League finals with Spain — and Barcelona’s absence from the Champions League final — might ultimately work against him.
2. Raphinha (Barcelona/Brazil)
Arguably the most improved player in Europe this season, Raphinha thrived under new manager Hansi Flick, becoming the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attacking system. With 34 goals and 25 assists — the highest in Europe’s top five leagues — the Brazilian winger has made an undeniable case for individual recognition.
His resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable after a challenging 2023/24 season under Xavi Hernandez.
1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
With PSG lifting the Champions League trophy, Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The French winger delivered two crucial assists in the final, bringing his season tally to 33 goals and 15 assists.
Dembélé was pivotal throughout PSG’s treble-winning campaign, and his consistent contributions on the biggest stages have elevated him above his competitors. If current form holds, the Ballon d’Or may well return to France for the first time since Karim Benzema’s 2022 victory.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is far from over. With international tournaments such as the UEFA Nations League and Copa América looming, the final chapter is yet to be written. But if Saturday’s final is anything to go by, the momentum has firmly shifted to Paris.
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Ballon d’Or 2025: Ranking the Top Five After PSG’s Champions League Triumph