European champions Paris Saint-Germain fell short on the global stage, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. The Blues delivered a dominant performance, lifting the coveted trophy and securing a staggering $84 million in prize money—an ideal boost for the club’s ambitious transfer plans.
PSG, despite an impressive run, settled for second place and a reported $78.4 million payout. While the result stings, the French giants remain among the elite.
Beyond the silverware and financial windfall, the tournament served as a critical stage for Ballon d’Or hopefuls. With the award ceremony set for October, the Club World Cup marked the final opportunity for contenders to solidify their cases.
Below, we’ve updated the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, factoring in standout performances from the tournament and this summer’s action across the United States.
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Kylian Mbappé (-1)
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was poised to be Kylian Mbappé’s stage to shine, but illness during the group stage disrupted the 26-year-old’s momentum. Although he delivered a spectacular acrobatic goal in the thrilling quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund, his impact faded quickly.
Facing his former club in the semifinal, Mbappé struggled as PSG dismantled Real Madrid 4-0. He registered just one shot on target from four attempts and recorded only 27 touches over 90 minutes, according to WhoScored—a quiet outing by his standards.
Similar to last season, Mbappé may need time to adjust under new leadership. While new manager Xabi Alonso might not be fully convinced yet, it’s likely only a matter of time before the French star finds his rhythm and earns the Spaniard’s trust.
Nuno Mendes (New entry)
Game by game, Nuno Mendes continues to solidify his status as the best left-back in world football. The 23-year-old was a dynamic presence on PSG’s left flank all season—consistently threatening in attack without compromising his defensive duties.
While Mendes didn’t register a goal or assist during the Club World Cup, he played a crucial role in PSG’s tactical setup, frequently involved in build-up play and delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
The final against Chelsea proved challenging, as Cole Palmer and João Pedro targeted his side and made life difficult. Still, Mendes’ overall tournament performance—and his standout season—speak volumes.
He contributed four goals and two assists during PSG’s run to the UEFA Champions League final and put in a commanding defensive display to neutralize Mohamed Salah in the round of 16. Mendes’ impact from the backline has been instrumental in PSG’s success this year.
Fabián Ruiz (New entry)
Often the unsung hero of PSG’s star-studded midfield trio, Fabián Ruiz brought his scoring touch to the United States during the Club World Cup. The Spanish international, who netted five goals across 53 appearances during PSG’s treble-winning season, stepped up with three goals in just seven tournament matches—including a standout brace in the semifinal victory over Real Madrid.
Beyond his scoring contributions, Ruiz remained a vital engine in midfield. He consistently made himself available, battled hard in tight spaces, and maintained control with smart, tempo-setting passes.
While he may not attract the same headlines as his midfield counterparts, Ruiz’s reliability and impact remain crucial to PSG’s success—and he continues to prove why he deserves more recognition.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (-2)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia surged into the Ballon d’Or top 10 after his standout performance in the UEFA Champions League final, but his stock has dipped slightly following a subdued showing at the Club World Cup.
The Georgian winger started strong, registering two assists in PSG’s opener against Atletico Madrid. However, he struggled to maintain that momentum, with his only other major contribution coming in the form of a goal against the Seattle Sounders in the final group-stage match.
While his impact since joining PSG in January remains significant, this dip in form has taken some of the sheen off his recent performances. With recency bias often influencing voters, Kvaratskhelia’s quiet summer could push him out of the spotlight in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Vitinha (New entry)
Previously hovering just outside the top 10 in the Ballon d’Or rankings, Vitinha has now firmly established himself as a serious contender following an outstanding Club World Cup campaign.
The 25-year-old was a midfield maestro for PSG, completing a staggering 771 passes at an impressive 94% accuracy rate, according to FIFA. For context, the next closest player, teammate Achraf Hakimi, completed 536 passes—while Chelsea’s top passer, Levi Colwill, managed just 385 across the same number of matches.
Vitinha’s influence extends well beyond raw stats. Throughout the season, his composure, vision, and control in midfield helped dictate PSG’s tempo and style, anchoring a side that secured three major trophies and reached the Club World Cup final.
With his consistency and intelligence on the ball, the Portuguese playmaker has earned every bit of recognition coming his way—and now, a place in the Ballon d’Or spotlight.
Mohamed Salah (-1)
Mohamed Salah delivered a season to remember, guiding Liverpool to their 20th top-flight title and claiming the Premier League Golden Boot. His leadership and relentless drive were instrumental in dragging the Reds through tough moments during the 2024–25 campaign, helping the club match Manchester United’s record for league championships.
However, Salah drops slightly in the updated Ballon d’Or rankings—not because of form, but due to his absence from the Club World Cup in the United States. While his domestic achievements remain remarkable, the lack of visibility during the summer tournament may hurt his chances in the eyes of voters.
Adding to the challenge, another African star who impressed on U.S. soil has now moved ahead in the race.
Achraf Hakimi (+2)
While Nuno Mendes builds his case on the left, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi is making an equally compelling argument as the best right-back in world football. The Moroccan international was a standout performer during the Club World Cup in the United States, contributing to four goals—either scoring or assisting—in seven matches, all while delivering his trademark energy and intensity.
Across a trophy-laden 2024–25 season, Hakimi tallied 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 appearances—phenomenal numbers for a full-back. Though PSG fell short in the Club World Cup final, limiting his chances of breaking into the Ballon d’Or podium conversation, Hakimi’s influence can’t be overlooked.
At 26, he has enjoyed one of the most complete seasons of any defender globally. And while defenders rarely receive top individual honors, Hakimi has done more than enough to apply real pressure on the award’s front-runners.
Lamine Yamal (No Change)
Lamine Yamal may not have featured in the Club World Cup with Barcelona, but no player who did manage to shine in the tournament did enough to knock him out of the Ballon d’Or top three. A Nations League final defeat with Spain halted his push for a higher spot, but his overall season speaks volumes.
At just 17, the young sensation delivered 18 goals and 25 assists during a domestic double-winning campaign with La Blaugrana—numbers that firmly justify a projected third-place Ballon d’Or finish.
It’s unfortunate that La Liga champions Barcelona didn’t qualify for the Club World Cup, as fans were denied another opportunity to witness Yamal’s meteoric rise on the global stage. Still, his impact this season has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Raphina (No Change)
Barcelona’s absence from the Club World Cup may have denied Raphinha one final showcase to stake his claim as the world’s best player, but his place as a Ballon d’Or runner-up remains undisputed.
Averaging more than a goal or assist per game throughout a stellar 2024–25 campaign, the Brazilian earned a well-deserved break during June and July. Still, he likely watched on with frustration as rivals Atletico and Real Madrid took center stage in the U.S.
Yet with La Liga and Copa del Rey titles already secured, Raphinha used the off-season to recharge for another title push. That rest could prove strategic, positioning him as an early favorite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or—even before the new campaign kicks off.
Ousmane Dembélé (No Change)
Ousmane Dembélé may have missed the chance to add the Club World Cup to his impressive trophy haul, but his limited appearances in the U.S. were more than enough to solidify his Ballon d’Or credentials for the 2024–25 season.
The French winger didn’t feature for PSG until the knockout stages, making his first appearance as a second-half substitute in the 4-0 win over Inter Miami. Despite playing just 197 of a possible 630 minutes, Dembélé made his presence count.
He netted a vital late goal to seal the quarterfinal victory against Bayern Munich, then followed up with a goal and an assist in the semifinal demolition of Real Madrid. Although he couldn’t inspire PSG to victory in the final—his only full 90-minute outing—his quality shone through in every appearance.
Dembélé ended the season with 35 goals and 16 assists across 53 matches, collecting Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League titles along the way. For a player once written off as unfulfilled potential, this season marks a remarkable resurgence—proof that he was simply waiting for the right stage to explode into world-class form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings after the Club World Cup?
Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as the frontrunner following a standout season with PSG, capped by key performances in the Club World Cup knockout stages and a haul of domestic and European titles.
Did the FIFA Club World Cup affect the Ballon d’Or rankings?
Yes, the Club World Cup significantly influenced the rankings. Strong performances in the tournament helped players like Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi rise, while others—like Mohamed Salah and Raphinha—slipped slightly due to absence.
Why did Mohamed Salah drop in the Ballon d’Or rankings despite a historic season?
Although Salah won the Premier League Golden Boot and led Liverpool to the title, his absence from the Club World Cup meant he missed a key opportunity to impress on a global stage during the final voting stretch.
Was Lamine Yamal impacted by missing the Club World Cup?
While Barcelona’s absence from the tournament kept Yamal off the pitch, his 18 goals and 25 assists during a double-winning season kept him firmly in third place in the rankings.
Which players made the biggest leap in the updated rankings?
Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz climbed significantly due to dominant performances during the Club World Cup, showcasing their midfield mastery for PSG.
Has Kylian Mbappé’s ranking dropped after the Club World Cup?
Yes, Mbappé’s illness and underwhelming performance in key matches, particularly against PSG in the semifinal, caused his Ballon d’Or stock to dip slightly.
Why is Raphinha still ranked second despite not playing in the Club World Cup?
Raphinha’s outstanding season with Barcelona, including more than one goal or assist per game and two domestic trophies, secured his runner-up spot even without Club World Cup exposure.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race has taken a dramatic turn following the FIFA Club World Cup, with several top contenders solidifying—or weakening—their cases on the global stage. While Ousmane Dembélé’s late-season brilliance has propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, consistent performers like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal remain firmly in the conversation.
Standout showings from Vitinha, Hakimi, and Ruiz added depth to the race, reminding voters that team success and tournament impact still carry significant weight. Meanwhile, the absence of stars like Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s key figures slightly shifted the balance, though their season-long efforts remain impossible to ignore.
