Dembele and 5 Top Footballers Who Could Win the Ballon d’Or

The Messi-Ronaldo era is gradually giving way to a new generation of elite footballers. With stunning performances across Europe’s top leagues, players like Ousmane Dembele are beginning to turn heads. Who are the names we should watch out for as future Ballon d’Or winners?

1. Ousmane Dembélé – The Rebirth of a Maestro

• Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• Why He Stands Out: Dembélé has redefined his game under manager Luis Enrique, evolving from a mercurial winger to a clinical central striker. This positional shift has yielded an impressive 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

His standout performances were instrumental in leading PSG to a historic treble—winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup. Dembélé’s transformation and consistency have made him the odds-on favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

2. Kylian Mbappé – The Natural Successor

• Current Club: Real Madrid
• Pedigree: World Cup winner, consistent top scorer, global superstar.
• Why He’s a Strong Contender: Mbappé had a prolific individual season with 31 league goals for Real Madrid.

However, his first year at Real Madrid lacked major team successes, potentially dampening his Ballon d’Or chances. A strong performance in upcoming international tournaments could bolster his candidacy.

3. Jude Bellingham – Midfield Dynamo With a Midas Touch

• Current Club: Real Madrid
• Rise to Stardom: From Birmingham to Dortmund to dominating in La Liga.
• Why He’s Unique: Bellingham’s mature gameplay, leadership, and goal-scoring ability from midfield set him apart. In the Champions League, he played 11 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists, with a passing accuracy of 90.55%.

If he continues to lead Madrid’s midfield and plays a key role in England’s international campaigns, he’s a real threat for the Ballon d’Or.

4. Erling Haaland – The Goal Machine

• Current Club: Manchester City
• Why He’s Feared: Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess is unmatched. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 21 goals in 28 Premier League appearances and 8 goals in 9 Champions League matches.

Despite his individual brilliance, Manchester City’s lack of major trophies this season could impact his Ballon d’Or aspirations. However, if he maintains his scoring rate and secures significant titles, he remains a strong contender.

5. Vinícius Júnior – The Brazilian Flair Reimagined

• Current Club: Real Madrid
• Why He Captivates: Vinícius’s skill, speed, flair, and growing maturity have been pivotal for Real Madrid. He became the youngest player to score in two Champions League finals, registering six goals and five assists in Madrid’s trophy-winning campaign.

His performances have earned him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award. A Copa America win with Brazil or a Ballon d’Or-worthy UCL campaign could push him over the edge.

Honourable Mentions: Players on the Radar

• Mohamed Salah – Liverpool’s talisman had an outstanding season, scoring 29 goals with 18 assists, leading them to a Premier League title.
• Lamine Yamal – Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy dazzled with his relentless style, scoring 19 goals and winning LaLiga, the Spanish Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Contributed significantly to Napoli’s Serie A success and later PSG’s Champions League campaign.

The Ballon d’Or is no longer a two-horse race. With new stars rising, it’s a thrilling time for football. Whether it’s Dembélé’s flair, Bellingham’s intelligence, or Haaland’s brutal efficiency, fans have every reason to be excited for the next chapter.