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Raphinha, Salah, Doue, Mbappe move up in lastest Ballon d'Or rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 22:13 GMT by Yen.com.gh
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Ballon d’Or 2025: Who’s in the Hot Seat? – The latest rankings reveal a dramatic shift in football’s elite

In a highly‑anticipated reveal, the official Ballon d’Or voting results for 2025 were published just in time for the September 22 gala that will decide the world’s most coveted individual award. The preliminary list – released by France Football and compiled from the votes of national‑team coaches, captains, and a panel of sports journalists – shows a dramatic reshuffling of the top‑tier footballing elite. While Lionel Messi’s 7‑year reign may be coming to a close, a new crop of superstars has emerged, with Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal leading the charge.

The Top‑Tier: Dembélé, Yamal, and the New Generation

At the very top of the rankings sits Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint‑Germain), who has surged from a mid‑table contender in 2024 to a clear favourite for 2025. France’s versatile winger is praised for his blistering pace, blistering dribbling and a knack for delivering clutch performances in high‑stakes games. Dembélé’s recent season saw him net 21 league goals and 8 assists in the Premier League, while also propelling PSG to the Champions League semi‑finals.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), the 20‑year‑old Spanish sensation, claims second place on the list. Yamal’s breakout season for the Catalans was highlighted by a stunning hat‑trick against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, and his 18 goals in La Liga have already earned him a place on the national team. His technical finesse and the ability to dictate play from midfield have drawn comparisons to the likes of Sergio Agüero and, some pundits, even the late Ronaldinho.

Other front‑line talents that made a notable climb include Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint‑Germain). Haaland remains a prolific striker with 39 league goals and 12 assists, whereas Mbappé is praised for his combination of speed, technique and a relentless goal‑scoring instinct – tallying 33 goals in the Ligue 1 and 10 in the Champions League. The two have become the front‑and‑center of the debate for the ultimate individual accolade.

The Mid‑Field and Defensive Resurgence

In the midfield section, Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) retains a prominent spot, with 12 goals and 23 assists for the club. De Bruyne’s vision and delivery have made him the “creative engine” behind City’s title runs. Jorginho (Chelsea) and N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea) also feature prominently in the rankings, with Kanté’s ball‑winning prowess being lauded as essential to Chelsea’s Europa League campaign.

Defensively, the spotlight falls on Jordi Alba (Real Madrid), who is now widely regarded as one of the best right‑backs in the world. Alba’s versatility and ball‑playing ability helped the Spanish giants secure a Champions League title. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos (Paris Saint‑Germain) has been recognised for his leadership on the pitch, having won a record 14 major titles in his career.

The ‘Underdog’ Story

Perhaps the most compelling narrative in the rankings is that of Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid). The 20‑year‑old English midfielder has been cited as a dark horse, rising from a promising academy player to a central figure in Real Madrid’s midfield. With 15 goals and 14 assists in La Liga, Bellingham’s influence on the pitch is undeniable.

The “underdog” list also includes Cyle Larin (FC Bayern), Dylan Edwards (Tottenham Hotspur), and Toni Kroos (Bayern) – all of whom have shown flashes of brilliance over the past season.

The Voting Mechanics and Historical Context

According to the article, the Ballon d’Or voting process is meticulously designed to ensure fairness and representation. National team coaches and captains, each casting a single vote, provide a broader perspective from the international scene. Meanwhile, the journalists’ panel, representing a global array of media outlets, ensures the domestic and club-level viewpoints are captured. Historically, the voting system was revamped in 2018 to reflect the changing dynamics of football – now, the award acknowledges a player’s contributions across all competitions, including the World Cup and continental championships.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or was a historic moment: Lionel Messi’s 7th award cemented his legacy as arguably the greatest player of all time. His retirement from international football after the 2022 World Cup added an emotional layer to the 2024 rankings, with many fans eager to see the next generation step onto the global stage.

What’s Next?

The September 22 gala will be the culmination of a year‑long evaluation, with the top five finalists presented on stage for the final voting. With Dembélé, Yamal, Haaland, Mbappé, and De Bruyne as the front‑and‑center, the debate is already heating up. Analysts are weighing the merits of each player’s achievements: Did Dembélé’s club success outweigh Yamal’s relative lack of trophies? Does Haaland’s goal‑scoring tally trump Mbappé’s consistency?

Beyond the headline names, the rankings underscore a broader trend: football is increasingly globalised and fluid, with players moving across leagues more fluidly than ever. The Ballon d’Or 2025 will not only crown a single individual but also narrate the story of football’s evolving landscape.

As the countdown to the gala begins, fans around the world will be holding their breath to witness whether the traditional powerhouses maintain their grip on the award or whether the new generation will claim the trophy. Whichever the outcome, the 2025 Ballon d’Or promises to be a thrilling chapter in football history.