Winners & Losers: How the 2025 Ballon D’Or nominees fared this year | OneFootball

The 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees entered this season with sky-high expectations, but football’s finest have experienced wildly contrasting fortunes.

While some have maintained or even elevated their performances, others have struggled under pressure, injuries, or new managerial set-ups.

This review explores the winners and losers among Europe’s elite, highlighting who has reinforced their claim to football’s most coveted individual honour and whose Ballon d’Or hopes have faded under the weight of a challenging campaign.

Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands, Inter Milan)

Dumfries was undoubtedly the standout wing-back in last season’s Champions League, consistently delivering top performances, particularly in high-stakes knockout matches.

Despite enjoying an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign, the Dutchman is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing ankle surgery earlier in December.

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan)

Martinez isn’t a two-time Scudetto winner by chance. He has been one of the most consistent goal-scorers in Serie A since arriving at San Siro in 2018.

Nothing has changed this term, even though Cristian Chivu replaced Simone Inzaghi at the helm, as El Toro leads Serie A’s scoring charts, remaining Inter’s key attacking outlet.

Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)

The all-time England top scorer has hit the ground running this season, netting an intimidating 18 goals in just 14 Bundesliga appearances.

He’s also been the quickest player in Bundesliga history to reach 100 goal contributions, which further underlines his importance to the current Bayern side.

When it comes to scoring, there’s only a handful of strikers capable of matching the Englishman’s clinical finishing and relentless goal-scoring instinct.

Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)

Olise’s numbers may not be impressive, yet his influence on Bayern’s attacking play is undeniable.

Capable of creating chances out of thin air, Olise boasts the level of creativity and football intelligence that allows him to unlock even the most stubborn defences. 

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)

Salah’s fall from grace has been as mind-boggling as it is unexpected. He has gone from being the pillar of Liverpool’s 20th title in England’s top flight to losing Arne Slot’s trust.

After falling out with the Dutch manager, it wouldn’t be impossible to see the veteran forward leave Anfield next month, as numerous Saudi Pro League clubs still crave his services.

It hurts to see one of the most iconic Premier League figures stoop this low, less than six months after reaching the highest point of his illustrious career.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)

Van Dijk has cemented his place as one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history since joining Liverpool from Southampton in 2018.

However, he hasn’t quite been up to scratch at the start of the current campaign.

With the Reds struggling on all fronts and Slot’s future on Merseyside hanging by a thread, even Van Dijk’s typically commanding presence has failed to steady the ship.

And in all fairness, he shares a substantial part of the blame for Liverpool’s dismal defensive record.

Florian Wirtz (Germany, Leverkusen/Liverpool)

Wirtz’s road from one of the most highly-rated Bundesliga talents to one of Liverpool’s worst signings has been swift and largely unexpected.

The 22-year-old used to bend Bundesliga defences to his will with unparalleled skill and vision, only to see his influence wane in the Premier League, leaving everyone at Anfield wondering where it all went wrong.

Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina, Liverpool)

Like many of his teammates, Mac Allister has not been at his best this season, although his midfield presence remains vital to Liverpool’s link-up play even in these uncertain times.

The Argentine ace still holds the keys to the Reds’ creative engine, dictating tempo, recycling possession and linking defence to attack even when his team falters.

Vinicius Junior (Brazil, Real Madrid)

The Brazilian winger has been part of the Ballon d’Or conversation for years, but he still doesn’t have anything to show for it despite staking a strong claim for the most prestigious individual prize.

Given his strained relationship with Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, an extended wait for the sought-after call from France Football looks all but certain.

Kylian Mbappe (France, Real Madrid)

In stark contrast to Vinicius’ rough patch, Mbappe has gone from strength to strength this season, setting the groundwork for his best season at the Santiago Bernabeu yet.

Mbappe is already waltzing away with the Golden Boot award, having bagged 18 league goals in as many matches.

Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)

Mbappe’s arrival has not only taken the spotlight away from Vinicius but has also overshadowed Bellingham, who has found it harder to impose himself this season.

Barring occasional flashes of brilliance, Bellingham has had to learn to live in the shadow of the French superstar. 

Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)

Having graduated from Barcelona’s famous La Masia, Pedri burst onto the big stage in 2020 and has since taken European football by storm, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders around.

Following in the footsteps of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Pedri is arguably the best playmaker right now, shining for the Blaugrana under some of the biggest lights in both La Liga and Europe.

It’s fair to say that Barcelona are a different team with the 23-year-old on the pitch, despite his lack of goal contributions.

Don’t let his six-assist haul from 19 matches fool you – Pedri’s true value lies in how he dictates the game, creates chances, and pulls the strings from midfield.

Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)

Speaking of elite talents, Lamine Yamal has all the makings of a future superstar. Whether he can reach the iconic ‘GOAT’ status is entirely up to him and his ambition to succeed Lionel Messi.

However, there’s no denying that the 18-year-old is already one of the best players in the world. No player since Messi has achieved those heights at such a young age, testifying to the Spaniard’s generational talent.

Yamal was nothing short of outstanding last year, yet it feels like the fame is taking a toll this season, regardless of his admirable tally of eight goals and 11 assists in 19 games.

Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)

Raphinha’s meteoric rise in 2024/25 was a sight to behold, not least because he was on the verge of leaving Camp Nou as a flop in 2024.

From staring down the barrel of being named one of Barcelona’s worst signings, Raphinha turned things around spectacularly, dazzling with pace and skill to become indispensable for Hansi Flick.

After last season’s record-breaking Champions League campaign, the Brazilian’s form has plummeted. He has been a shadow of his former self since the start of the 2025/26 season.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)

Lewandowski has encountered the same fate, struggling to replicate the consistency and goal-scoring prowess that made him one of Europe’s deadliest strikers in previous seasons.

With only eight goals, he is already out of La Liga’s Golden Boot conversation. It’s also worth mentioning that his overwhelming desire to boost his numbers has often been counterproductive.

Not as nearly as efficient as he was last year.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund)

There was a time Guirassy looked like a genuine candidate to challenge Kane’s dominance in the Bundesliga, but that’s no longer the case.

With only five goals from 14 league games, he’s drawing closer to justifying his ‘one-season wonder’ tag.

Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden, Sporting CP/Arsenal)

Five goals, including two penalties, are hardly what Arsenal chiefs had in mind when they splashed out north of €60m to sign Gyokeres from Sporting CP last summer.

However, the Swede has found his return to English football far from straightforward, failing to make the impact the Gunners had hoped for after such a hefty investment.

Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)

Rice has been in top form for Arsenal this season, dominating the midfield with his tackling, positioning and leadership.

His ability to break up play and drive the team forward has made him one of the Gunners’ most influential performers.

Erling Braut Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)

Back to his formidable best, Haaland is once again terrorising defences in the Premier League, proving last season was just a one-off.

The Norwegian striker has quickly assumed control of the Golden Boot race, scoring 19 goals to keep Man City firmly in the title race.

Scott McTominay (Scotland, Napoli)

McTominay has gone a long way from being an outcast at Manchester United to becoming the symbol of Napoli’s fourth Serie A title.

Duly named the division’s MVP last season, McTominay enjoyed a dream debut campaign in Italy’s top flight, and he continues to be Antonio Conte’s talisman this term. 

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City)

Widely considered among the world’s best goalkeepers, Donnarumma played a crucial role in PSG’s dominant Champions League run.

Despite his household status in Paris, the Italian stopper decided to sever ties with Les Parisiens in the summer in order to join Manchester City.

Donnarumma’s arrival in the final hours of the summer transfer window has rendered James Trafford’s return to the Etihad Stadium meaningless.

The 26-year-old has already secured the starting berth in Manchester as his own, consistently delivering outstanding performances week in, week out.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)

Madrid’s decision to let Hakimi leave in 2020 remains one of the worst transfer dealings in recent memory, with the Moroccan establishing himself as one of the best right-backs on the planet.

In addition to being PSG’s vice-captain, the skilled defender has been among the best-performing wing-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues for years.

Hakimi started this season in scintillating form before picking up a dreadful ankle injury during Les Parisiens’ Champions League clash against Liverpool in November.

Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)

Reliable left-backs have become a rare commodity in today’s football, but Nuno Mendes is an exception, combining defensive solidity with explosive athleticism and attacking intent.

Mendes has transformed into one of the deadliest left-backs in the Champions League, becoming a nightmare for opposition defenders with his relentless runs and directness.

You don’t need to look beyond his impressive tally of four goals and four assists from 18 matches to understand the quality of the attacking plays he brings to the table.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain)

Kvaratskhelia’s move from Napoli to Paris midway through the 2024/25 season was exactly what the doctor ordered for Luis Enrique’s side.

After helping the Partenopei win a long-awaited Scudetto in 2023, the quicksilver forward slotted into Enrique’s system seamlessly, quickly becoming a standout performer for the perennial French champions.

His overall showings have rarely ceased to amaze, even though he has only bagged six goals and five assists across 21 competitive appearances this season.

The combination of raw power and pace makes Kvaratskhelia a constant threat down the left flank, and even when he isn’t directly involved in goals or assists, he brings far more to the team.

Joao Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)

There’s a good reason Joao Neves is no longer carrying the tag of a highly-rated youngster. Instead, he has earned the reputation as an elite midfielder under Enrique’s stewardship.

Despite his diminutive stature, Neves more than compensates with his tireless movement, well-timed tackles, and ability to disrupt opposition play.

He does it like few others, making him one of the unsung heroes of Enrique’s dynasty at the Parc des Princes.

In addition to his well-documented technical abilities and playmaking skills, Neves has also bagged a couple of headers this season, defying his miniature size with excellent positioning and spatial awareness.

Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)

Every team needs a string-puller, and Vitinha fits the bill perfectly. Averaging well over 50 touches per game, he is constantly available and dictates the tempo with ease.

Once an outcast at Wolves, Vitinha has perfected his craft to become one of the finest in the world, a status underlined by his commanding displays throughout PSG’s emphatic 2024/25 campaign.

The Portuguese midfielder has developed a knack for scoring crackers, such as one against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League earlier this season.

It would hardly be an overstatement to put him in the same category with the likes of Rodri and Pedri.

Fabian Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)

Ruiz was one of the cornerstones of PSG’s imperious quadruple run last season, emerging as the team’s driving force in the middle of the park alongside Neves and Vitinha.

Known for his powerful left foot and hold-up plays, Ruiz was one of the key figures in Enrique’s set-up last term, picking up where he left off at the 2024 European Championship.

However, the Spaniard’s form has declined this season, resulting in his removal from the starting line-up and a significantly decreased playing time, as evidenced by a mere seven league starts.

Desire Doue (France, Paris Saint-Germain)

Doue might be the most skilful player to have graced the grandest scene since former PSG superstar Neymar chose to leave European football for the riches of Saudi Arabia.  

Though there were some lingering doubts about the teenager’s ability to perform at the highest level, his match-winning performance in the Champions League final put such thoughts firmly to rest.

Whether drifting inside, hugging the touchline, or carving out spaces for his teammates, there’s almost nothing this prodigious youngster cannot do.

Unfortunately, recurring injury problems have marred the 20-year-old winger’s season, frequently forcing him off the pitch.

Ousmane Dembele (France, Paris Saint-Germain)

Eight years after swapping Borussia Dortmund for Barcelona in an eye-watering €105 million deal, Dembele has finally fulfilled his potential.

The winger played with consistency and confidence never seen before last term, positioning himself as PSG’s headline performer and arguably the best player in Europe.

Dembele racked up an eye-catching 48 goal contributions across 49 appearances, and though his Ballon d’Or triumph raised a few eyebrows, there was little his detractors could do to dispute his title.

However, the Frenchman, often accused of a lack of professionalism and commitment, has slipped back into his old ways this term, becoming an injury-prone scapegoat again.