2025 Ballon d’Or: PSG Dominates Power Ranking After Club World Cup

From August 7, 2025 football enthusiasts across the world will know the footballers who are officially nominated to contend for the forthcoming Ballon d’Or.

While football fans anxiously wait for that, Naija News has noticed consistency in the list of the top ten 2025 Ballon d’Or contenders making the rounds across major sports news outlets, especially after the recently concluded Club World Cup.

In virtually all the major platforms, including Goal, Givemesport, beIN Sports, Sports Illustrated (Si), The New York Times, ESPN, and a host of others, Paris Saint-Germain talisman, Ousmane Dembélé, is rated as the frontrunner.

Note that Dembélé won the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and the Champions League before he was completely outplayed in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea. Despite losing the final, the Frenchman and five of his PSG teammates are currently dominating the Ballon d’Or power ranking.

As it stands, Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who was enjoying his vacation while the Club World Cup was ongoing, stands no chance of overtaking the Frenchman in the power ranking.

Hence, it will be the biggest shocker in the history of the award if Yamal or any other contender listed below win the prestigious honour instead of Dembélé on September 22, 2025, at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Below is the 2025 Ballon d’Or Power Ranking after the Club World Cup:

10. Nuno Mendes (PSG)

Last season, Mendes was more than just solid, he was spectacular. Seven goals, 12 assists, and 18 clean sheets only tell part of the story. He locked down some of the world’s best attackers and even chipped in decisive goals during PSG’s Champions League triumph.

9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

Kvara became a key figure in PSG’s attack after also helping Napoli earlier in the season. His flair, creativity, and knack for turning up in big European moments elevated his status massively.

8. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

Hakimi has evolved into one of football’s most complete full-backs. With 13 goals, 17 assists, and 26 clean sheets last season, he was immense on both ends and a force during PSG’s Champions League knockout run.

7. Desire Doue (PSG)

Still a teenager, Doue took his chances and turned them into headline moments. A double-double season (16 goals, 16 assists), topped with standout performances in key finals, makes him one of the year’s breakthrough stars.

6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

Mbappé lit up the season with 46 goals, including a statement hat-trick vs. Man City. But Real Madrid’s late collapse on multiple fronts hurt his Ballon d’Or case.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah carried Liverpool to the Premier League title with 36 goals and 24 assists. A new contract seals his status as a modern Anfield legend.

4. Raphinha (Barcelona)

Raphinha’s numbers speak volumes: 39 goals, 25 assists, and a treble to match. He stepped up when Barça needed leadership in the final third.

3. Vitinha (PSG)

Vitinha is the unsung hero of PSG’s midfield. Calm, clinical, and consistent, he guided his side to three major trophies last season and stood tall for Portugal too.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Only 17, yet already rewriting records. His 21 goals, 26 assists, and fearless Champions League performances have him on the cusp of history.

1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

The numbers: 37 goals, and 16 assists, tell one part of the story. The rest? Big-game brilliance, two assists in the UCL final, and the most complete season of his career. The Ballon d’Or might just be his.