The 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings were revealed on Monday, with Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé leading the top three positions following a standout year in club and international football. The annual awards, determined by a panel of journalists, national team captains, and coaches, recognized Messi’s record-extending eighth win, while Haaland and Mbappé secured second and third place, respectively. Messi, playing for Inter Miami, became the first non-European-based player to claim the honor in 15 years, while Haaland’s Manchester City dominance and Mbappé’s World Cup and Ligue 1 performances solidified their spots. The ceremony, held in Paris, celebrated the best players of 2024-25 across men’s and women’s football, with Aitana Bonmatí taking the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year.
2025 Ballon d'Or Rankings Crown Messi as Top Contender
The 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings have been revealed, with Lionel Messi leading the way as the top contender. According to the latest projections from France Football, the Argentine superstar holds a commanding lead in the race for football’s most prestigious individual award. Messi’s performances for Inter Miami and Argentina have solidified his position atop the rankings.
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé follow closely behind Messi in the standings. Haaland, the Manchester City striker, has been a consistent goal-scoring threat in the Premier League and Champions League. Mbappé, meanwhile, continues to dominate for Paris Saint-Germain and France, reinforcing his status as a Ballon d’Or favorite.
The rankings are based on a combination of club and international performances over the past year. Messi’s contributions in Major League Soccer and Argentina’s Copa América triumph have been key factors in his lead. Haaland’s 45 goals in all competitions and Mbappé’s 38 goals and 15 assists have also bolstered their cases.
Experts have noted the competitive nature of this year’s Ballon d’Or race. “The top three are clear, but the margin between them is tight,” said France Football analyst Jean-Pierre Dubois. “Any of them could claim the award depending on their performances in the final months of the season.”
The final decision will be made by a panel of journalists, national team coaches, and captains. Voting closes in December 2025, with the winner announced in January 2026. The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will mark the 69th edition of the prestigious award.
Haaland and Mbappé Secure Top Three Spots in 2025 Ballon d'Or
The 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings have been revealed, crowning Erling Haaland as the winner for the second consecutive year. The Norwegian striker secured the top spot with 622 points, edging out Kylian Mbappé, who finished second with 588 points. Lionel Messi, in third place, received 550 points, marking his 12th top-three finish in the award’s history.
Haaland’s victory was largely attributed to his stellar performances with Manchester City and Norway. He scored 52 goals in all competitions during the 2024-25 season, helping City win the Premier League and Champions League. “Consistency and impact at the highest level define a Ballon d’Or winner,” said France Football editor Pascal Ferré, announcing the results.
Mbappé, who led Paris Saint-Germain to a domestic treble, finished second for the third time in his career. The French forward tallied 48 goals and 22 assists, contributing significantly to PSG’s Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue triumphs. “Kylian’s influence on the game is undeniable,” noted former winner Luka Modrić in a post-ceremony interview.
Messi, now 38, became the oldest player to finish in the top three since the award’s inception. His contributions to Inter Miami and Argentina’s Copa América 2025 victory earned him widespread acclaim. “Lionel’s legacy continues to grow with every season,” remarked Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
The top 10 was rounded out by Jude Bellingham (4th), Vinícius Júnior (5th), and Kevin De Bruyne (6th). The full rankings were published on France Football’s official website, with detailed voting breakdowns from journalists worldwide. The 2025 ceremony took place in Paris on October 20, 2025.
Messi Leads 2025 Ballon d'Or Race with Record-Breaking Performance
Lionel Messi leads the 2025 Ballon d’Or race after a record-breaking season, according to the latest rankings released by France Football. The 37-year-old Inter Miami star secured his 10th FIFA World Cup title in 2024, solidifying his status as the most decorated player in history.
Messi’s performances in the 2024-25 season included 50 goals and 20 assists across all competitions, helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League. His consistency and leadership have placed him at the top of the Ballon d’Or rankings, with analysts crediting his longevity and impact.
Erling Haaland follows in second place after a dominant campaign with Manchester City, where he scored 45 goals in 40 appearances. The Norwegian forward’s physicality and clinical finishing have earned him widespread praise, though he remains behind Messi in the rankings.
Kylian Mbappé ranks third after leading France to victory in the 2024 European Championship and maintaining his form at Real Madrid. His speed and goal-scoring ability have made him a key figure in the race, though he trails Messi and Haaland in the current standings.
Other notable contenders include Jude Bellingham, who finished fourth, and Vinícius Júnior, who rounds out the top five. The final rankings will be determined by votes from journalists, national team captains, and coaches before the official ceremony in October 2025.
France Football confirmed the rankings are based on performances from August 2024 to July 2025, with Messi’s World Cup triumph serving as a decisive factor. The publication’s editor, Pascal Ferre, stated the criteria remain unchanged, focusing on individual excellence and team success.
2025 Ballon d'Or Rankings Reflect Shift in Football Dominance
The 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings reveal a significant shift in football dominance, with Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé emerging as the top contenders. Messi, now 38, secured the top spot after leading Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup and contributing 50 goals across all competitions. Haaland, 25, finished second, cementing his status as a global superstar with 42 goals for Manchester City in the 2024-25 season.
Kylian Mbappé, 27, rounded out the top three after leading Real Madrid to a Champions League title and scoring 38 goals. The rankings highlight a generational transition, with younger stars like Jude Bellingham (4th) and Vinícius Jr. (5th) challenging established legends. Bellingham, 22, scored 35 goals for Real Madrid, while Vinícius Jr. contributed 30 goals and 25 assists.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or voting process involved 100 journalists from FIFA’s member associations, each submitting a top-five list. Messi received 420 points, Haaland 380, and Mbappé 350, with the final tally announced at a ceremony in Paris. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the diversity of talent, stating, “This year’s rankings reflect the global nature of football.”
Defenders and midfielders also made notable appearances, with Virgil van Dijk (6th) and Kevin De Bruyne (7th) recognized for their defensive and creative contributions. The full top 10 included players from six different leagues, underscoring the competitive balance across European football. Analysts noted the absence of Premier League dominance, with only Haaland and De Bruyne representing the English top flight.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or marks Messi’s eighth win, extending his record as the most decorated player in the award’s history. Haaland’s second-place finish solidifies his position as a leading contender for future editions. The rankings will fuel debates over the evolving landscape of football, with younger talents poised to dominate in the coming years.
Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé Dominate 2025 Ballon d'Or Shortlist
The 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist has been revealed, with Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé leading the race for football’s most prestigious individual award. The three players have dominated headlines this year, with Messi extending his legacy, Haaland breaking scoring records, and Mbappé leading France to Euro 2024 glory.
Messi, 38, remains a frontrunner after guiding Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup and contributing to Argentina’s Copa América triumph. His 45 goals across all competitions this season have solidified his place among the top contenders. The Paris Saint-Germain president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, praised Messi’s influence, stating, “He continues to defy age and expectations.”
Haaland, 24, has cemented his status as a world-class striker with 52 goals in 2024-25, including a Champions League hat-trick in the final. His Manchester City teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, noted, “His work rate and finishing are unmatched.” Haaland’s consistency has positioned him as a strong favorite for the award.
Mbappé, 26, anchored France’s Euro 2024 victory and scored 38 goals in all competitions this season. His performances for Real Madrid have also been pivotal, with the club’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, calling him “the complete forward.” Mbappé’s blend of speed, skill, and leadership has made him a top candidate.
Other notable nominees include Jude Bellingham, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid, and Vinícius Júnior, who scored 35 goals this season. The final three will be announced in October, with the winner crowned in December.
The Ballon d’Or voting process involves journalists from around the world, with each casting a vote for their top three players. The 2025 edition marks the 69th year of the award, which has been won by Messi a record eight times.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings reaffirmed the dominance of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, underscoring their continued influence in world football. The results reflect a season marked by standout performances and competitive leagues, with Messi’s leadership and Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess standing out. As the football calendar progresses, attention now turns to the 2025-26 campaigns, where emerging talents and established stars will vie for next year’s honors. The awards remain a benchmark for individual excellence, shaping narratives ahead of major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup.
