“Ballon d’Or 2025: Why Mohamed Salah Dominates the Fierce Race for Football’s Top Honor”
Written by Maliha Zahid — August 7, 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Road to Football Immortality Begins
As the global football season winds down, one question is echoing louder than ever: Who will win the Ballon d’Or 2025? With the shortlist now officially revealed on August 7, the race is hotter than ever, and Mohamed Salah—Liverpool’s Egyptian King—stands tall at the forefront of global predictions.
But the path to the top is far from clear-cut. Rising stars like Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, and Raphinha, alongside seasoned pros like Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, are rewriting the narrative of who deserves football’s most prestigious individual honor.
This article dives into everything you need to know about the 2025 Ballon d’Or: frontrunners, surprise names, stats that matter, and the debate about what makes a Ballon d’Or winner in this modern era.
Mohamed Salah: The Leading Man
A Season of Goals, Grit, and Greatness
Salah’s form in 2024–2025 has been nothing short of blistering. The Liverpool forward has racked up 28 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, reclaiming his place among the elite. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s the leadership, vision, and moments of magic that have reignited Liverpool’s campaign.
What Sets Salah Apart in 2025?
- Premier League Golden Boot Winner
- Captaincy Brilliance in Egypt’s AFCON campaign
- Consistent form despite managerial change at Liverpool
- Impact across Champions League knockout stages
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes Salah deserves the Ballon d’Or “if we win major silverware.” That confidence isn’t unfounded—Salah has carried a transitioning Liverpool side on his back.
“I make players around me better,” Salah said in February, and his form proves that’s no empty boast.
The PSG Power Pack: Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha & Hakimi
Ousmane Dembele: The Treble Hero
No player has gained more traction in recent months than Ousmane Dembele. After helping Paris Saint-Germain to a historic Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France treble, Dembele has surged up the Ballon d’Or rankings.
He contributed 11 goals and 16 assists this season and scored a vital goal in the UCL final. That kind of silverware sweep always boosts your Ballon d’Or credentials, and Dembele has become the primary challenger to Salah.
Kvaratskhelia & Vitinha: The PSG Supporting Cast
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian sensation, provided flair and key goals from the left.
- Vitinha, the midfield engine, was crucial in controlling big games and was recently voted Ligue 1 Midfielder of the Season.
Their contributions help elevate PSG’s case in this Ballon d’Or race.
Lamine Yamal: The Teenage Sensation Changing the Game
Age: Just 17
Club: Barcelona
Season Highlights: 12 goals, 9 assists, 5 MOTM awards
Barcelona’s youth system has unearthed gems before, but Lamine Yamal feels special. His audacity, dribbling, and intelligence in tight spaces have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi—not lightly handed compliments.
Yamal’s performance in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup this year was electric, and many believe he could be the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner if he continues this trajectory.
“If Yamal wins the Euros with Spain, he’s a serious Ballon d’Or contender,” says football analyst Miguel Bravo.
Cole Palmer: The Club World Cup Game-Changer
When Chelsea lifted the 2025 Club World Cup, it wasn’t Enzo or Sterling who stole the show—it was Cole Palmer. The English playmaker delivered a standout tournament performance, including a brace in the final, earning MVP honors.
This boosted his Ballon d’Or odds dramatically and added his name to the elite shortlist, according to bookmakers.
Scott McTominay: The Surprise of the Year
No one expected Scott McTominay to be in Ballon d’Or conversations, but here we are. The Scottish midfielder had a transformational season at Napoli, leading them to Serie A glory and scoring in multiple high-stakes games.
McTominay was voted Serie A MVP, and while his inclusion raised eyebrows, few can argue with his grit and work ethic.
What Makes a Ballon d’Or Winner in 2025?
Is It Still About Trophies?
There’s a growing debate in football circles: Do you need to win the Champions League to win the Ballon d’Or? Franck Ribéry, famously snubbed in 2013 despite winning a treble, thinks so.
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“So, you need the Champions League? I learned that the hard way,” Ribéry recently said, indirectly referencing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2013 win.
But 2025 might change that. Salah could win the award even if Liverpool doesn’t lift the UCL trophy. His brilliance, combined with his team leadership, could tip the scales.
The Ceremony: All Eyes on Paris
The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony will be held on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. It promises to be a global spectacle as journalists, players, and fans await the moment of truth.
Nominees were officially announced on August 7, with multiple new names and surprising omissions shaking up predictions.
How Ballon d’Or Votes Are Decided
- Voted on by 100 journalists worldwide
- Factors: individual performances, team achievements, fair play, and players’ legacy
- Heavily weighted by Champions League and major international tournament success
Is There Any Prize Money?
Interestingly, no direct monetary reward is given to the Ballon d’Or winner. However, most elite footballers have bonus clauses in their contracts that can reward them with up to €1 million if they win the award.
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 – NWSL Stars Rising
Although this article focuses on the men’s award, it’s worth noting the rising influence of the NWSL in the women’s category.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal) and Esther González (Gotham FC) are among the top female contenders in 2025, signaling a broader global reach for the women’s game.
Conclusion: Can Salah Make History Again?
With every game, Mohamed Salah is rewriting the Ballon d’Or script. Whether his magic will outshine the trophy-laden résumés of PSG’s treble winners or the youthful exuberance of Lamine Yamal remains to be seen.
What’s certain? The 2025 Ballon d’Or will be one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and talent-rich races in years.
FAQs About Ballon d’Or 2025
Who is leading the Ballon d’Or 2025 race?
Mohamed Salah is currently the favorite based on stats, form, and global media coverage.
When is the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony?
It’s scheduled for September 22, 2025, in Paris.
Who are some surprise nominees?
Scott McTominay and Cole Palmer have emerged as shock inclusions due to brilliant seasons.
Do players get money for winning the Ballon d’Or?
Not directly, but most have contract bonuses worth up to €1 million.
What are the selection criteria?
Performance, trophies, sportsmanship, and global impact—all weighed by journalists.
