Ballon d'Or Odds: Dembele Strong Favourite For Prestigious Crown
Having missed the group stages of the Club World Cup, Ousmane Dembele returned to action to help Paris-Saint-Germain make it to the semi-finals.
The prolific Frenchman was sent on with just 20 minutes to play, but bagged a crucial late goal, which sets up a mouthwatering last-four encounter with Real Madrid.
Dembele remains the odds-on favourite with betting sites to be named the world's best player, but there could still be some twists and turns before the big announcement on October 27.
Dembele Dominates Market
Dembele played a major role in PSG's successful mission to be finally crowned champions of Europe and is 1.29 to be named the best player in the world.
The Frenchman scored eight goals throughout the Champions League campaign, which concluded with PSG's record-breaking 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final.
Although Dembele did not score in Munich, he provided two assists and was later named the best player of the whole competition.
Dembele has reached new levels this season under head coach Luis Enrique, and it was no surprise that he was also named Ligue 1's player of the season, which saw PSG win the title by 19 points.
Ballon d'Or 2025 Odds:
Player | Club | Odds | Betting Site |
Ousmane Dembele | Paris Saint-Germain | 1.29 | |
Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 4.0 | |
Vitinha | Paris Saint-Germain | 9.0 | |
Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 21.0 | |
Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid | 21.0 | |
Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain | 26.0 | |
Raphinha | Barcelona | 34.0 | |
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Paris Saint-Germain | 41.0 | |
Gianluigi Donnarumma | Paris Saint-Germain | 51.0 | |
Desire Doue | Paris Saint-Germain | 51.0 | |
Pedri | Barcelona | 67.0 |
(Odds correct at time of publishing: 4.30pm - 8/7/2025)
Teenager Yamal Kicks On
It's easy to forget that Lamine Yamal is still only 17, with the teenager continually putting in accomplished performances every time he takes to the pitch.
The forward has already made over 100 appearances for Barcelona, won 20 caps for Spain and, in the eyes of many, he is a future Ballon d'Or winner.
Yamal scored nine goals and provided a league-high 13 assists during Barca's title-winning season.
He also scored twice against France in the Nations League semi-final and is 4.0 for the biggest individual award in world football.
Vitinha In The Mix
Portugal's victory over Spain the Nations League final resulted in Vitinha's Ballon d'Or odds being shortened.
Not only did the 25-year-old midfielder help Paris Saint-Germain to a historic Coupe de France, Ligue 1 and Champions League treble, but he also played a starring role in his country's Nations League success.
The former Wolves player had been 41.0 to win the Ballon d'Or, but is now 9.0 to add to his trophy cabinet.
If PSG can add the Club World Cup to their recent honours, then the midfielder's odds will surely be cut again.
Salah Drifts Despite Record-Breaking Season
Despite collecting his fourth Golden Boot award for scoring 29 times in the Premier League, Mohamed Salah looks set to miss out on this year's Ballon d'Or.
The Egyptian was crucial to Liverpool's title success in Arne Slot's first season as Reds manager, and with a new contract signed, he will be expected to continue his pivotal role at Anfield.
His strike in a 1-1 final-day draw with Crystal Palace was his 47th goal involvement, and he is the first player to achieve this feat in a 38-game campaign.
Salah was 11.0 to win this year's Ballon d'Or, but his odds are now 21.0 on betting apps.
Mbappe Needs Club World Cup Success
It was a season to forget for Real Madrid, who failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2021.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was sacked, despite getting 43 goals from Kylian Mbappe, whose odds of winning the Ballon d'Or have dropped from single figures to 21.0 with Bet365.
Mbappe's chances took another knock after he was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis before the start of the Club World Cup, although he finally returned to action in the second half of Real Madrid's last-16 victory over Juventus.
The France captain was on the scoresheet in Real's 3-2 quarter-final win over Dortmund, but will need to produce something special in the remainder of the tournament if he is to get his hands on the Ballon d'Or.
Hakimi Backed After Club World Cup Performances
One of the stand-out players at the Club World Cup has been PSG's Achraf Hakimi.
The right back has scored two goals and has caught the eye with his marauding runs forward.
The Moroccan is a key part of the French side's play, and if he continues to impress in the remainder of the tournament, he could be a contender for the Ballon d'Or prize.
He was recently as big as 67.0 with bookmakers, but has been backed into 26.0.
Raphinha Losing Ground On Rivals
Like his Barcelona team-mates, Raphinha saw his name fall down the Ballon d'Or market in the closing weeks of last season.
The one-time favourite paid the price for his side's Champions League semi-final exit to Inter, but it should not take away from what has been a tremendous campaign for the former Leeds midfielder.
Barca manager Hansi Flick is getting the best from the Brazilian, who could be a contender for next year's Ballon d'Or.
For now, Raphinha is 34.0 on football betting sites for this year's award.
Kvaratskhelia Achieves Personal Quadruple
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has achieved what few players have managed in European football by winning a personal quadruple.
Not only did he play a major role in helping PSG to the treble, but he earned himself a winners' medal after making 17 appearances for Serie A champions Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia is 41.0 for the Ballon d'Or, but a successful Club World Cup could see his odds reduce.
Other names in the frame include PSG trio Gianluigi Donnarumma (51.0), Desire Doue (51.0) and Barcelona's Pedri (67.0).
