Updated Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Ranking: Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe or Raphinha – but shock challengers appear before the Champions League final

When the UEFA Champions League campaign ends, the race for 2025 Ballon d’Or Is intensifying – and a surprise name has crawled into the conversation. While Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal continues to dazzle and Kylian Mbappe dominates headlines on Real Madrid, it is a figure that may only be about to steal the spotlight.

With Inter and Paris Saint-Germain book their seats in the Champions League FinalEuropean Soccer’s largest individual award now seems closely bound to the last showdown in the calendar. It updated BALLON D’or Power rankingthat is published by CASEhas now revealed a shift in the speed and emergence of a clear, unexpected, front runner.

On Only 17 years oldBarcelona Lamin Yamal Has accomplished what many veterans dream of. With 15 goals and two assists This season and a skill to dominate matches with high efforts that El Clasico remains the Spanish teenager a strong candidate. His performances in Champions League And for Spain Have just reinforced its reputation.

Barcelona attackers Raphinha Have also seen a breakout year. With 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions, including 13 goals and eight assists In Europe’s top competition, the Brazilians have produced decisive moments throughout the season. However, Barcelona’s elimination in the hands of Inter In the Champions League semi-final, a blow for both players’ Ballon d’Or case.

Further down the list, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumm Has increased in battle after two fantastic legs against Arsenal. The Only admitted once over both semi -finals and have 11 Clean sheets This season. His presence in the Champions League final makes him an exciting joke sign. In the meantime, Harry KaneIn addition, forced back into the conversation. Have finally lifted silver with Bayern Munichwon the Bundesliga and points 37 goals In all competitions, Kane’s texture has gained him a legitimate place among the challengers.

Mbappe, Salah and others stay in the hunt

On Real MadridThe Kylical Mbappe have continued to live up to hype, with 35 goals During his debut season in Spain. His explosive pace and clinical finishing has kept him on the list, although Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League has damaged his campaign.

Elsewhere, Mohamed is wrongis incredible 33 goals and 23 Assistants have helped Liverpool Clinch the Premier League. Salah is also the favorite for Golden Boot and is still one of the most productive forward in Europe. On the other hand, Robert Lewandowski Defains age with 40 goals at 36 years old, and Pedri Has appeared as Barcelona’s midfield Maestro during Hansi girl.

Surprise challengers show up

While many expected Yamal, Raphinha or even Mbappe to top the lists, PSG’s Ousmane Dembele Have taken an unexpected leap to become the favorite for 2025 Ballon d’Or.

“Under Luis Enrique, Dembele has undergone a complete transformation,” reports CASE. The Frenchman has been moved as a False nineAnd the tactical tweak has paid massive dividends.

With 33 goals and 11 assists This season – including an astonishing 25 goals 2025 alone – Dembele not only produces, he leads. PSG has already won Ligue 1 and French Super Cupand they will now meet Inter in Champions League Finalwith Final French Cup Also on the horizon.

“If he secures the domestic treble and lifts the Champions League trophy,” CASE Notes, “Dembeles case for Ballon d’Or will be almost undeniable.”

The Ballon D’Or 2025 Power Rankings (May 2025)