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The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football and is considered the greatest individual prize in football. Manchester City midfielder Rodri was most recently crowned the winner following his exceptional feats during the 2023-24 season. However, he will not be able to defend his award after suffering a season-ending ACL injury in August 2024.
The race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or commenced with the start of the 2024-25 season, with numerous superstars in Europe already showcasing why they deserve the prestigious award. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the twilight years of their career in the Saudi Pro League and MLS, respectively, there is a massive opportunity for a new winner to be crowned this year.
Let's take a look at the current top five favorites to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or (January 2025):
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#5 Jamal Musiala (Germany/Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane has earned the headlines this season for his remarkable record (29 G/A in 20 games across competitions). However, Jamal Musiala has arguably been the Bavarian's most creative outlet this season, garnering 14 goals and six assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.
The 21-year-old's form has been vital in Bayern's rise to the summit of the Bundesliga standings with 36 points from 15 games. If he were to maintain this form and if Bayern win multiple trophies, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Musiala clinch his maiden Ballon d'Or.
Musiala also performed well for Germany during the UEFA Nations League group stage, scoring two goals and providing three assists in four games.
#4 Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Barcelona)
Despite being 36 years of age, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski remains one of the most lethal finishers in Europe. The Pole has netted 25 goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.
Many fans thought Lewandowski was past his best after he missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist. However, after being reunited with Hansi Flick over the summer, he appears to be a man on a mission. He will be aiming to win his first Golden Ball, after missing out on the prize in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lewandowski garnered one goal and two assists in four games for Poland during the UEFA Nations League. However, his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or are dependent on Barcelona's trophy haul this season.
#3 Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior vowed to come back stronger in 2025 after narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or to Rodri. He has made a strong start in his mission already, helping Real Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.
Despite missing four games due to a muscle injury, the 24-year-old winger has performed well, accumulating 13 goals and nine assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. However, Vinicius has notably struggled for the Brazil national team, registering zero goal contributions in four games during the recent World Cup qualifiers.
Vinicius will be seeking to inspire Real Madrid to more silverware to solidify his claim on the Ballon d'Or. They are currently first in the LaLiga table with 43 points from 19 games but are notably 20th in the UEFA Champions League with just nine points from six games.
#2 Raphinha (Brazil/Barcelona)
Raphinha is playing some of the best football of his career and has arguably been Barcelona's most impressive player this season, ahead of Lewandowski. The 28-year-old has been electric under Hansi Flick and has what it takes to win the Ballon d'Or, depending on how the Blaugrana fare this season.
Raphinha has scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona this season. He also chipped in with three goals in four games for Brazil during the World Cup qualifiers earlier this season.
However, despite having a strong start, Barcelona have fallen to third in the LaLiga standings with 38 points from 19 games. To their credit, they are second in the Champions League table with 15 points from six games.
#1 Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah is currently the most in-form player on the planet and has been sensational for Arne Slot's Liverpool this season, despite being in the final year of his contract. The 32-year-old has stepped up his game to another level and has garnered 21 goals and 17 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. He has also netted two goals in three games for Egypt during the AFCON qualifiers.
Salah's feats have helped Liverpool reach the EFL Cup semi-finals. They are also at the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League standings with 46 and 18 points, respectively.
If he can fire Liverpool to multiple trophies this season, it would be no surprise to see Salah claim the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
