Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final has reshaped the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. With their historic European triumph in Munich, PSG players have surged into the spotlight, especially Ousmane Dembele, now tipped as the frontrunner for the award.
Dembele, who impressed with both offensive output and relentless defensive work throughout the season, capped his campaign with a commanding display in the final. PSG manager Luis Enrique was quick to spotlight the winger’s contribution—not just in attack but in his defensive pressing, calling him a “model” for team performance.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet in the final, Dembele’s season stats are standout: 33 goals in 49 appearances across competitions. This mix of productivity and discipline has propelled him to the top of the bookmakers’ odds for the prestigious award.
While Dembele takes pole position, other contenders haven’t been ruled out. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal had a phenomenal season at just 17, contributing to both La Liga and Copa del Rey victories with 18 goals in 55 matches. His breakout year keeps him firmly in contention.
Mohamed Salah also enters the discussion with a strong case. The Liverpool star netted 34 goals and helped lead the Reds to another Premier League title. However, bookmakers are less optimistic about his chances, placing him behind both Dembele and Yamal.
Further down the odds list are other top performers like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored in the Champions League final, and PSG’s Desire Doue, who also netted twice in that match. Bookmakers also include names like Raphinha, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, and Pedri.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The nominees will be revealed in August, with awards recognizing standout players, goalkeepers, top scorers, coaches, and champions of societal causes.
With PSG finally lifting Europe’s biggest prize, Dembele’s all-round excellence might just earn him the highest individual honor in football.