As the most prestigious individual award in global football, the Ballon d’Or dominates the annual conversation throughout each season.
Handed out by France Football in the fall for the previous season from August to July, the Ballon d’Or is given to the best football player from around the globe across the campaign. A gala is held each year — with UEFA now involved in the organising — to crown the best male and female players and give out several other accolades.
Rodri’s win in 2024 was controversial, but his ACL tear early this season has left the 2025 contest wide open. Players who finished just behind the Manchester City star, such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, are obvious choices for the conversation once again, but there are other challengers.
The Sporting News will update this page throughout 2025 as the candidates to win the award stake their claims.
MORE: All the latest EPL club news | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings | Champions League top goal scorers
Ballon d’Or rankings 2025: Potential winners, top candidates
Here are the top 10 players in contention for the Ballon d’Or, ranked by how The Sporting News would hand out the award if the season ended today.
Rankings and stats as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
