The Final Countdown: Latest Ballon d'Or Odds – Palmer Breaks Into the Top 5, Dembele Still Leads
With only a few days left before the 2025 Ballon d'Or is announced on August 7, the latest odds have been revealed. As the countdown begins, it's clear that Dembele remains the frontrunner for the prestigious award, having had an outstanding season. The young Barcelona sensation, Lamine Yamal, has secured second place in the latest rankings, while Chelsea's Palmer, who helped secure the FIFA Club World Cup, now ranks fifth. Let’s take a closer look at the updated Ballon d'Or odds and the performances that have shaped them.
7th Place: Kylian Mbappe
Despite Real Madrid's lack of major silverware in the 2024-25 season, Kylian Mbappe's individual brilliance has been undeniable. In his first season with Los Blancos, the French superstar scored 31 goals in 34 home appearances in La Liga, claiming the coveted Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe. Over the entire season, he netted 44 goals for Madrid, showcasing his high efficiency. However, the absence of significant team achievements has seen Mbappe drop to 8th place in the current Ballon d'Or odds.
6th Place: Achraf Hakimi & Fabian Ruiz
Two key figures in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble-winning campaign, Achraf Hakimi and Fabian Ruiz, are tied in 6th place in the Ballon d'Or rankings. Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, has been pivotal not only in defense but also in attack. In the 2024-25 season, he contributed 11 goals and 14 assists from the full-back position, playing a vital role in PSG's dominance across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been equally crucial for the Parisians, contributing 8 goals and 11 assists in 61 appearances last season. Together, they helped PSG secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, as well as domestic triumphs in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. Their remarkable performances have earned them a joint 6th spot in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
5th Place: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer's meteoric rise continues, with the young Englishman now ranking 5th in the Ballon d'Or odds. The 2024-25 season saw Palmer make a significant impact at Chelsea, playing 52 matches and contributing 18 goals and 13 assists. His efforts helped the Blues return to the UEFA Champions League, while his performances in cup competitions were equally impressive. Palmer was instrumental in Chelsea’s triumph in the UEFA Europa Conference League, completing a European treble. In the recently concluded FIFA Club World Cup, Palmer’s two goals and one assist in the final helped secure Chelsea's victory, making him one of the most valuable players in world football right now.
4th Place: Raphinha & Mohamed Salah
Raphinha's breakout year at Barcelona has solidified his place as one of the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or. In his 57 appearances for the Catalan giants, Raphinha scored 34 goals and provided 22 assists, a remarkable feat that contributed significantly to Barcelona’s triumph in Spain’s “small treble” — winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His consistency and clinical finishing have earned him a joint 4th place ranking in the latest Ballon d'Or odds.
Equally impressive is Mohamed Salah, who continues to defy expectations at 33 years old. Last season, Salah's 29 goals in the Premier League helped Liverpool reclaim the English top-flight title. He also secured his 4th Golden Boot, tying with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as the player with the most Premier League Golden Boots. With 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 appearances for Liverpool, Salah remains a dominant force in world football, maintaining a strong claim for the Ballon d'Or in 4th place.
3rd Place: Vitinha
At just 25 years old, Vitinha has proven to be one of the most essential midfielders for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team. As PSG’s midfield orchestrator, he played a pivotal role in their European treble, making 59 appearances and contributing 8 goals and 4 assists. His seamless passing and game management were key to PSG’s success in the Champions League and domestic competitions. Additionally, Vitinha was instrumental in Portugal’s victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League, further cementing his place as one of the top performers of the year. With his exceptional season, Vitinha ranks 3rd in the latest Ballon d'Or odds.
2nd Place: Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal’s extraordinary rise continues, as the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy ranks second in the Ballon d'Or odds. Despite Barcelona's disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League, Yamal’s individual performances have been flawless. Last season, he played 55 games for Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists. His remarkable contributions were crucial in helping the team reclaim the La Liga title, and he also played a key role in Barcelona’s dominance over their archrivals, Real Madrid. On his 18th birthday, Yamal took up the legendary No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to wear the iconic jersey. His market value has skyrocketed to €200 million, reflecting his exceptional talent. With such an impressive season, Yamal’s place in second on the Ballon d'Or odds list is well deserved.
1st Place: Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele has firmly established himself as the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, with a phenomenal season under Luis Enrique’s guidance. Despite not winning the FIFA Club World Cup with Paris Saint-Germain, Dembele's individual contributions have been remarkable. In 53 appearances, he scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists, playing a central role in PSG's first-ever Champions League triumph. His two crucial assists in the final helped secure PSG's victory in Europe's top competition, cementing his status as one of the world's best players. After an incredible season, Dembele stands poised to claim his first Ballon d'Or, a career-defining achievement that would cap off a remarkable journey.
