The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual honor in football, awarded annually to the best player in the world. With the 2025 edition fast approaching, several stars are already making a strong case for the title. This article dives deep into the top contenders, both in the men’s and women’s categories, based on their performances and achievements so far.
Men’s Ballon d’Or Contenders
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is set to be highly competitive, with established players and rising stars fighting for the coveted trophy. Key figures like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi are all in the running, but there are also a few new faces looking to make their mark.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has been a revelation since joining Manchester City, breaking records left and right. His clinical finishing and physicality make him one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. In the 2023-2024 season, Haaland played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic treble, scoring over 30 goals across all competitions. His goal-scoring prowess and ability to influence matches could make him the favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, especially if he continues to deliver at such a high level.
Haaland’s incredible performances in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League make him a serious contender for the award. If Manchester City maintains its dominance, Haaland’s consistent form could secure him the top spot. You can read more about Haaland’s remarkable journey on his official Manchester City page.
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé remains one of the most electrifying players in the world. The French forward has been a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages, including the 2024 UEFA European Championship. Mbappé’s speed, technical skills, and knack for scoring crucial goals make him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Mbappé’s performances for both PSG and the French national team have positioned him as one of the front-runners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. His leadership and ability to deliver when it matters most, combined with his impressive goal-scoring record, will be crucial to his success. For more on Mbappé’s career, check out his PSG profile.
Lionel Messi
While Lionel Messi may be in the final stages of his illustrious career, his impact on the game is far from over. After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 raised some eyebrows, but he has continued to perform at an elite level. His vision, creativity, and leadership remain unmatched, and if he helps Argentina win more international trophies or leads Miami to success, he could still be in the running for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Messi’s continued brilliance even in the twilight of his career could see him claim another Ballon d’Or. If he continues to be a decisive factor for both club and country, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he challenges for the 2025 title. For more on Messi’s career, visit Inter Miami’s website.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. The Belgian playmaker has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, with his exceptional vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of games. His performances in the 2024-2025 season, including helping City secure yet another Premier League title, solidify his claim for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
De Bruyne’s consistency at the highest level, along with his leadership and creativity, makes him a top contender for the prestigious award. If Manchester City continues to dominate in both domestic and European competitions, De Bruyne will remain in the conversation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. You can explore his achievements and career highlights on Manchester City’s page.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham’s meteoric rise at Real Madrid has been one of the standout stories in football. The 21-year-old English midfielder has quickly become one of the brightest stars in the sport, with his ability to control games, break down defenses, and score crucial goals. Bellingham’s performances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have placed him among the top contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Bellingham’s impact on Real Madrid has been immense, and if he continues his rise, he could become one of the youngest players to win the Ballon d’Or. His skill set, combined with his performances in big matches, make him one of the most exciting young players in the world. To follow Bellingham’s journey, visit Real Madrid’s official website.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Contenders
As women’s football continues to grow in global prominence, the competition for the Women’s Ballon d’Or is fiercer than ever. With a number of talented players like Alexia Putella, Sam Kerr, and Sophia Smith leading the charge, the race for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or is wide open.
Alexia Putella
Alexia Putella remains one of the most influential figures in women’s football. The Barcelona midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2022, continues to dominate both for her club and country. Putella’s ability to orchestrate play, coupled with her vision and leadership, makes her a perennial favorite for the award. Her performances for Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and for Spain in international tournaments only enhance her candidacy.
Putella’s status as one of the best midfielders in the world, along with Barcelona’s continued success, positions her as a leading contender for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or. To stay updated on her journey, visit Barcelona’s official page.
Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr’s rise to prominence has been remarkable. The Australian forward, who plays for Chelsea, has been a consistent goal-scoring machine in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Her performances in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Australia reached the semifinals, further solidified her reputation as one of the best in the world. Kerr’s pace, technical ability, and knack for scoring in crucial moments make her one of the most dangerous forwards in women’s football.
If Kerr continues her impressive performances for both Chelsea and the Australian national team, she could be a strong contender for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or. For more about Kerr’s career, check out her profile on Chelsea FC’s official site.
Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith has emerged as one of the brightest talents in women’s football. The American forward, who plays for Portland Thorns in the NWSL, has been a revelation on the international stage, with her dynamic playmaking ability and goal-scoring instinct. Smith’s performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she was one of the standout players for the U.S. team, only added to her growing reputation.
Smith’s potential to dominate the world of women’s football for years to come makes her a player to watch. If she continues her upward trajectory and delivers in both domestic and international competitions, she could be a serious contender for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or. To follow Smith’s progress, visit the Portland Thorns website.
Wendy Renard
Wendy Renard may not always grab the headlines, but she is one of the best defenders in women’s football. Renard has been a stalwart for Lyon and the French national team for many years, known for her aerial dominance, leadership, and consistency. As a central figure in Lyon’s defense and a key player for France, Renard has proven time and again that defenders can make a significant impact on the game.
If Renard continues her exceptional performances and helps Lyon and France achieve further success, she could be a dark horse contender for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or. For more on her career, visit Lyon’s official page.
Aitana Bonmatí
Aitana Bonmatí has proven to be one of the most influential midfielders in women’s football. Playing for Barcelona, Bonmatí has been an integral part of the team’s success, both domestically and in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her technical ability, vision, and passing range make her one of the best in her position. Bonmatí’s key role in Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory further strengthens her case for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
If she continues to deliver outstanding performances for Barcelona and Spain, Bonmatí will be a strong contender for the award. To read more about Bonmatí’s career, visit Barcelona’s official site.
Conclusion
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or approaches, both the men’s and women’s categories are filled with top-tier talent. Whether it’s Erling Haaland’s unstoppable goal-scoring, Kylian Mbappé’s dazzling dribbles, or Alexia Putella’s midfield mastery, the competition promises to be fierce. Keep an eye on these contenders as the season progresses to see who emerges as the ultimate footballing icon.
