As the dust settles on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, top players around the globe made their last on-field impressions before October’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. While Chelsea emerged as champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over PSG, the tournament offered one last chance for players to boost their cases for football’s highest individual honor.
Here’s an updated look at the top 10 contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or:
10. Kylian Mbappé (↓1)
- Club: Real Madrid
- Despite a spectacular bicycle kick in the quarterfinals, illness sidelined him early in the tournament.
- Disappointing semifinal vs. PSG with just 27 touches and one shot on target.
9. Nuno Mendes (New Entry)
- Club: PSG
- Excellent form at left-back throughout the season.
- Shut down top attackers, including Salah in the Champions League Round of 16.
- Struggled in the Club World Cup final but remained a crucial presence.
8. Fabián Ruiz (New Entry)
- Club: PSG
- Scored 3 goals in 7 Club World Cup matches.
- A dynamic and disciplined midfield presence throughout PSG’s campaign.
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (↓2)
- Club: PSG
- A quiet Club World Cup after a strong Champions League run.
- Still managed two assists and a goal but lacked consistency in recent games.
6. Vitinha (New Entry)
- Club: PSG
- Dominated midfield stats: 771 passes with 94% accuracy.
- His influence grew during PSG’s title-filled season.
5. Mohamed Salah (↓1)
- Club: Liverpool
- Missed the Club World Cup but won the Premier League and Golden Boot.
- Key to Liverpool’s 20th league title but edged out by others’ recency.
4. Achraf Hakimi (↑2)
- Club: PSG
- 11 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
- Key performances in the Club World Cup cemented his top-tier status as a full-back.
3. Lamine Yamal (No Change)
- Club: Barcelona
- 18 goals and 25 assists in a domestic double-winning season.
- Didn’t play in the Club World Cup, but his youth and consistency keep him in the top three.
2. Raphinha (No Change)
- Club: Barcelona
- Averaged more than one goal or assist per match.
- Rested during the summer but his La Liga and Copa del Rey wins keep him strong in contention.
1. Ousmane Dembélé (No Change)
- Club: PSG
- Scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 games.
- Though PSG lost the final, his knockout-stage contributions including key goals and assists highlight his elite quality.
- With three major trophies under his belt, Dembélé remains the frontrunner.
Final Thoughts
Despite no major reshuffling at the top, standout Club World Cup performances helped players like Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz surge into the conversation. With voting set for later this year, these last impressions could make all the difference in determining the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
Written by RITESH SINGH
