Ousmane Dembele’s stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has surprisingly not translated into a leading position in the Ballon d’Or 2025 race. Despite posting career-best numbers 35 goals and 16 assists Dembele has dropped to fourth place in TNT Sports’ updated Ballon d’Or rankings.
Dembele’s Fall in the Ballon d’Or Race
The French winger was instrumental in PSG’s dominant 2024/25 campaign, contributing to their sweeping domestic and European success. However, PSG’s failure to win the FIFA Club World Cup, losing to Chelsea in the final, has taken a toll on Dembele’s Ballon d’Or standing.
Additionally, his underwhelming performances for France in the UEFA Nations League raised concerns about his consistency on the international stage. The missed opportunity to help PSG achieve a historic sextuple, paired with his national team struggles, have hurt his momentum heading into the award season.
Cole Palmer Climbs the Ranks
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has rapidly climbed into the top three Ballon d’Or contenders, thanks to a sensational breakout season. Palmer was key to Chelsea’s success in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing maturity and creativity that belies his age.
His growing influence at Chelsea and eye-catching stats have made him one of the biggest rising stars in European football, cementing his place as a serious candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal Emerges as Ballon d’Or Favorite
Sitting atop the rankings is Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has captivated the football world with an astonishing 18 goals and 21 assists this season. At just 17 years old, Yamal led Barça to a domestic treble, further fueling comparisons to legends like Lionel Messi.
With his extraordinary performances and consistency at the highest level, Yamal is now widely regarded as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or 2025.
As the football world looks ahead to the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Tottenham, stars like Dembele will have one final opportunity to sway voters. With the Ballon d’Or ceremony drawing near, every goal, assist, and performance counts.
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