As the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season reaches its climax, excitement is building around the contenders for the coveted Ballon d'Or 2025 award. With the first semi-finals set to take place today, April 29, 2025, sports enthusiasts are eager to see which players will shine in the remaining matches and solidify their status among the world's elite.
Leading the charge in the latest Power Rankings is Rafinha of Barcelona, who has had an extraordinary season so far. The Brazilian winger has netted an impressive 30 goals and provided 23 assists across all competitions, making him the standout performer for the Catalan giants. His remarkable contributions have kept him at the top of the list, and should Barcelona secure a treble this season, the debate over the Ballon d'Or winner may very well be settled in his favor.
Following closely behind Rafinha is Usman Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain, who has also experienced a revival this season. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Dembele has transformed into one of the world's best players, tallying 32 goals and 12 assists in 44 matches. His performance in the Champions League semi-finals will be crucial for his chances, especially with PSG aiming for glory.
In third place is the young prodigy Lamine Yamal from Barcelona. The 17-year-old has made a significant impact on the team's performance, and his two assists in the recent Spanish Cup final were pivotal in leading Barcelona to victory. Yamal's influence on the pitch has been undeniable, and if he continues to perform at this level, he could become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history.
Barcelona's Pedri also makes the top five, ranking fourth in the latest Power Rankings. The midfielder has finally overcome his injury troubles and is showcasing his exceptional talent on the field. While his statistics may not jump off the page, his role as the brain of the team has been instrumental in Barcelona's success this season.
Completing the top five is Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, who despite his team's early exit from the Champions League, remains a formidable contender. With 28 goals and 18 assists in 34 Premier League matches, Salah's individual performance has been stellar, but the lack of international trophies may hinder his chances.
In sixth place is Robert Lewandowski, who continues to be a key figure for Barcelona, scoring 40 goals in 48 matches. However, his absence during the Champions League semi-finals could impact his chances of clinching the Ballon d'Or.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka ranks seventh, and his return from injury has been crucial for the Gunners. His performance against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals highlighted his importance, contributing significantly to Arsenal's success with 11 goals and 14 assists this season.
In eighth position is Lautaro Martinez from Inter, who is looking to bounce back after a slow start to the season. His two goals in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich have reignited hopes for a strong finish, and he will be pivotal in Inter's upcoming matches against Barcelona.
Declan Rice from Arsenal sits at ninth place, having made headlines with his stunning free-kick goals against Real Madrid. His central role in the team has been likened to that of Rodri at Manchester City, and should Arsenal triumph in the Champions League, Rice's name will be among the favorites for the prestigious award.
Lastly, rounding out the top ten is Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid. Despite dropping from second place in the previous rankings, his goal in the Spanish Cup final showcased his talent, even though his team ultimately fell short. With the Champions League semi-finals ahead, Mbappe has the opportunity to reclaim his status among the elite.
As the season progresses, the anticipation surrounding the Ballon d'Or 2025 intensifies. The performances in the Champions League semi-finals will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining who will ultimately claim the prestigious award. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these top contenders navigate the final stretch of the season.
With the ceremony for the Ballon d'Or 2025 set to take place in Paris on October 28, the excitement is palpable. Who will rise to the occasion and secure their place in football history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the competition is fiercer than ever.
