As the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony approaches on September 22, the soccer world eagerly awaits to see who will succeed Manchester City’s Rodri as the best player in the world. This year’s race appears to have three strong candidates: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.
Among them, Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé enters the gala as the leading face of Luis Enrique’s team and the front-runner for France’s long-awaited trophy.
Yet, even within the French camp, opinions are divided. Jules Koundé, teammate of Dembélé in both the national team and Barcelona, surprised many when he openly stated that Lamine Yamal deserves the honor. His comments stirred debate across Europe, making this one of the most anticipated Ballon d’Or editions in recent memory.
Dembélé’s strong case
There is no doubt that Dembélé has had a historic season with PSG. Leading the team to a domestic treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions — and playing a pivotal role in their UEFA Champions League triumph, his candidacy is backed by trophies and numbers.
In 2025, only Kylian Mbappé scored more goals than Dembélé, underlining his impact as PSG’s difference-maker. While Yamal’s rise has been remarkable, critics argue that lacking a major European title could hurt his chances. Moreover, France’s loss to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the UEFA Nations League may weigh against the young Spaniard.
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Yamal’s historic breakthrough
Despite his youth, Lamine Yamal has been sensational, becoming Barcelona’s new symbol and a global star. He himself admitted months ago that he felt ready to fight for the Ballon d’Or, telling reporters: “It’s what motivates me every day. I want to prove it on the pitch.”
Yamal’s brilliance, flair, and confidence have captured the imagination of fans, and many believe it is only a matter of time before he wins the award. However, whether this is his year remains the key question.
The outsider: Raphinha
While most conversations focus on Dembélé and Yamal, Raphinha remains the third candidate. His consistency for Barcelona and Brazil has earned him recognition, but few expect him to outshine the other two. Still, his presence confirms the strength of Barcelona’s project and influence on world soccer.
The road to Paris
This year’s Ballon d’Or promises to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. With UEFA introducing a stricter no-leak system after last year’s surprise win by Rodri, speculation will run wild until the envelope is finally opened at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Will Dembélé’s trophies, Yamal’s brilliance, or Raphinha’s resilience be enough to lift the most prestigious individual award in soccer? One thing is certain: September 22 will mark another historic night in the world of soccer.
