Now without Haaland. Power Rankings - top 10 contenders for the 2025 Ballon d'Or

Back in December, Dailysports compiled a list of the top 10 favorites for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Now, with February upon us and the first-ever Champions League league phase behind us, it’s the perfect time to update our rankings.

10. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka drops from eighth to tenth in our rankings, largely due to a serious injury that has sidelined him until at least early March.

Despite this setback, the 23-year-old winger is expected to return in time for Arsenal’s Champions League Round of 16 ties. He will also be crucial in the final stretch of the Premier League season, where Mikel Arteta’s side remains in the title race—though Liverpool’s relentless form makes their chances slim.

Saka’s numbers remain outstanding: 9 goals and 13 assists in 24 matches.

9. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Another player who has dropped in our rankings. Kane remains Bayern’s talisman, leading the Bundesliga scoring charts with 17 goals. He is on course to finally win a major trophy, with Bayern clear favorites for the German title.

However, his Ballon d'Or hopes are hindered by Bayern’s inconsistent Champions League performances. While they’ve reached the Round of 16, their away defeats to Feyenoord, Aston Villa, and Barcelona suggest Vincent Kompany’s side is unlikely to challenge for the biggest prize in European club football. And without that, Kane has little chance of winning the Ballon d'Or.

8. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Absent from our December rankings, Van Dijk enters the top 10 thanks to Liverpool’s spectacular season. Arne Slot’s team is leading the Premier League race and is considered a major contender for the Champions League.

The Dutch center-back is Liverpool’s captain and the defensive anchor of this title-chasing squad. In 2019, after winning the Champions League, Van Dijk came close to beating Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or. If Liverpool secures another major trophy, he will certainly be in the conversation again.

7. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Never write off Real Madrid in the race for top honors. While they started the season inconsistently—suffering two heavy defeats to Barcelona—they still hold a commanding lead in La Liga.

Madrid faces a tough Champions League test against Manchester City in the knockout phase. If they prevail, they will once again be among the favorites for the title.

Bellingham endured a dry spell earlier in the season, but he now boasts 7 goals and 6 assists in 17 La Liga matches. His form will be key to Madrid’s success, though he must improve his performances in big matches to truly enter the Ballon d’Or conversation.

6. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

The long-awaited Mbappé transfer is finally proving its worth. After a slow start, the French forward has rediscovered his best form.

His recent hat-trick against Valladolid highlighted his resurgence, and he is now just two goals behind Robert Lewandowski in La Liga’s scoring race.

December and February were highly productive months for Mbappé, but like Bellingham, he must deliver in the biggest games. For now, he remains sixth, but if he starts dominating top matches, he will quickly become a Ballon d’Or frontrunner.

5. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

The Barcelona wonderkid drops from third to fifth—not due to his own performances, but because of Barcelona’s dip in form.

Yamal remains a crucial player for the Catalans, regularly scoring and assisting. However, his injury earlier this season contributed to Barcelona’s struggles in La Liga.

With a 7-point gap to Real Madrid, Barcelona’s title hopes are slim. However, their strong Champions League form keeps Yamal in the Ballon d’Or discussion. If Barça goes deep in the competition, his stock will rise.

4. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Another Barcelona player who has slipped in the rankings. Lewandowski is enjoying a phenomenal season, with 29 goals in 31 matches, leading the scoring charts in both La Liga and the Champions League.

However, his Ballon d'Or hopes took a hit due to his goal drought in December and January, when he netted just once in La Liga. His two Champions League goals against Benfica both came from the penalty spot.

Lewandowski’s form has dipped, but if he rediscovers his scoring touch, he could climb back up the rankings.

3. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Vinícius holds onto his third-place spot. The Brazilian forward has been outstanding over the past two months, apart from a poor outing against Valencia and a quiet El Clásico in the Spanish Super Cup.

He remains Madrid’s most decisive attacking player. If they win the Champions League or the Club World Cup, Vinícius will again be a top contender for the Ballon d’Or. His ability to shine in big matches keeps him ahead of all other Real Madrid players.

2. Raphinha (Barcelona)

12 goals and 8 assists in 21 La Liga matches
8 goals and 4 assists in 8 Champions League games
2 goals and 1 assist in 2 Spanish Super Cup matches
1 goal in 1 Copa del Rey appearance

Raphinha is having a sensational season. Surprisingly, he has become Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking force. While Lamine Yamal provides creativity, the Brazilian has been lethal with his pace and finishing.

His remarkable form sees him jump from fourth to second place in our rankings.

1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

No change at the top—Mohamed Salah remains the best player in European football this season.

Despite ongoing uncertainty over his contract, Salah continues to lead Liverpool toward their second-ever Premier League title. His numbers are staggering: 25 goals and 17 assists in 33 matches.

His dominance leaves little room for challengers at the moment. Unless someone else steps up in the latter half of the season, Salah is the clear favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.