Dembélé, Hakimi Lead 2025 Ballon d'Or Contenders

The 2025 Ballon d'Or race is highly competitive, with Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé both considered top contenders, though opinions differ on who deserves the award more. Former French national team coach Raymond Domenech favors Hakimi for his defensive reliability and goal-scoring impact, while PSG legend Pedro Miguel Pauleta believes both Hakimi and Dembélé are equally deserving, noting the club's push for Dembélé as the main candidate. Meanwhile, Barcelona's young talent Lamine Yamal and other standout players like Kylian Mbappé, who scored 44 goals in his debut Real Madrid season, and Raphinha, known for his consistency and attacking contributions, are prominent challengers in the race. The competition is intense as the football world awaits the prestigious award ceremony, with multiple PSG players and Barcelona stars among the nominees. This reflects a dynamic field of candidates beyond traditional favorites, highlighting emerging talents alongside established stars. The 2025 Ballon d'Or promises to be a closely contested accolade for the world's best footballer.