Ousmane Dembélé Tops 2025 Ballon d’Or Odds Ahead of Yamal

Who’s Leading the 2025 Ballon d’Or Race?

As the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, one question is on everyone’s lips: who will win? The 2025 Ballon d’Or is just around the corner, and the betting odds tell a fascinating story.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Award. PHOTO | Ank Kumar, via Wikimedia Commons

Meet the Front-Runner: Ousmane Dembélé

Ousmane Dembélé stands at the top of the betting charts. He had a phenomenal 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), helping the team secure a continental treble; that's league, cup, and Champions League all in one go. Some bookmakers have him so far ahead that he’s considered the clear favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, according to beIN SPORTS.

Here’s why his campaign was so memorable:

• Impressive stats: Across all competitions, he scored 35 goals and added 16 assists transfermarkt.

• Champions League dominance: He shone there with 8 goals and 6 assists and was instrumental in PSG clinching their first-ever European crown.

• Ligue 1 performance: He scored an impressive 21 goals and 8 assists in the league.

• Club World Cup performance: Even after a slight injury hiccup, he bounced back strongly in the FIFA Club World Cup with 2 goals and 1 assist.

In addition to his stellar league and Champions League performances, Dembélé added 4 goals and 1 assist across the Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions, further boosting his 2025 Ballon d’Or credentials.

Lamine Yamal: The Young Sensation Keeping the Dream Alive

Now, meet Lamine Yamal. At just 18 years old, the Barcelona winger has captured hearts and attention with a breathtaking season that’s more than just numbers. Bookmakers place him second, but some folks believe his impact might be undervalued.

Why is everyone raving about him?

• Explosive stats with context: He posted 18 goals and 21 assists, impressive on their own, but even more so considering he played in a tougher league and recorded higher dribble and duel success transfermarkt.

• Big-game temperament: From El Clásico drama to Champions League moments and a standout semifinal against Inter, he’s delivered when it mattered most.

• Pure football charisma: A teammate, Robert Lewandowski, summed it up perfectly: “if not this year, maybe next year,” hinting that Yamal’s rise is just beginning.

At 18, Yamal is playing like he’s already a legend in the making. 

Who Else Is in the Mix?

The Ballon d’Or isn’t just about the top two. Here are a few more names stirring the conversation: 

• Mohamed Salah – A stellar season in the Premier League puts him firmly in the top contenders.
• Vitinha – PSG’s midfield maestro adds quiet but essential value to the treble-winning side.
• Raphinha and Pedri – Barcelona stars whose contributions helped carry the team through—but without PSG’s global shine.
• Nuno Mendes – A defensive rock for PSG and Portugal, but defenders rarely get the Ballon d’Or nod.
• Achraf Hakimi – A surprising entrant, after being ranked top player in a fan vote—his candidacy could deflect some PSG votes elsewhere.

What’s the Final Verdict?

So, who’ll lift the 2025 Ballon d’Or on September 22 at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet? The race is shaping up like this:

Dembélé: Strong frontrunner with outstanding stats and trophies.
Yamal: Charming the world with flair, youthful excitement, and big performances.

Other contenders bring their own star power, making the 2025 Ballon d’Or race fiercely competitive and adding an extra layer of excitement to this year’s lineup.

If I had to guess, I’d say most sports bets are pointing to Dembélé. 

A Quick Recap

• Why Dembélé is ahead: Massive goal contributions and key role in PSG’s continental treble, strong Champions League leadership and recent standout appearances.

• Why Yamal matters: Incredible numbers in a tougher league, fewer minutes, but higher efficiency, powerful performances in big matches.

Final Thought

This Ballon d’Or race feels like the thrill of watching a race, where the favorite leads, but the dark horse is surging fast. Will it be Dembélé’s well-earned cruise to the podium, or will Yamal’s magic take over? Either way, it’s going to be a moment to remember, especially for football lovers everywhere.

Have thoughts? Maybe you’ve been watching Yamal since he was breaking into the first team. Or maybe you can’t stop replaying Dembélé’s Champions League highlights. Drop a comment, who are you rooting for?