Ballon d'Or Odds: Spanish Media Back Lamine Yamal For Top Honour

The race to win this year's Ballon d'Or seems to be a two-horse race according to the latest odds on betting sites.

Ousmane Dembele has led the market for many months, but Lamine Yamal is closing in on the Frenchman, with a little help from the Spanish media. 

Dembele had the season of his life, helping Paris Saint-Germain seal an historic treble with a 5-0 win over Inter in the final of the Champions League.

Yamal, whose 18th birthday celebrations made headlines for the wrong reasons, followed up his impressive performances during Spain's Euro 2024 success with a brilliant campaign for double-winning Barcelona.

We look at the leading candidates tipped to win this year's Ballon d'Or. 

Dembele Remains Odds-On Favourite

Dembele played a major role in PSG's successful mission to be finally crowned champions of Europe and is 1/4 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 victory.

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:

(Odds correct at the time of publish: 11.30am - 21/7/25)

Teenager Yamal Has Help From Spanish Media

Lamine Yamal will be favourite to win numerous Ballon d'Or in years to come, but he might have to settle for second place this year. 

However, if reports coming out from Spain are true that the major media organisations are throwing their support behind the 18-year-old, then the Barcelona star might have a chance.

Yamal scored 18 goals in 55 league and cup games last season, as Barca celebrated La Liga and Copa del Rey glory. 

He also scored twice for Spain against France in the Nations League semi-final and he is 5/1 for the biggest individual award in world football.

Vitinha In The Mix

Portugal's victory over Spain in the Nations League final resulted in Vitinha's Ballon d'Or odds being shortened.

The 25-year-old midfielder not only helped Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble but also played a starring role in his country's Nations League success. 

The former Wolves player had been 40/1 to win the Ballon d'Or, but is now 10/1 to add to his trophy cabinet.

He played an integral part in PSG reaching the Club World Cup final, although it ended in a disappointing defeat to Chelsea.

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.

Salah ended the campaign with a share of the Premier League's record for goal involvements in a single season. 

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 10/1 to win this year's Ballon d'Or, but his odds are now 25/1 on betting apps.

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 25/1 on football betting sites for this year's award.

Hakimi Backed After American Exploits

One of the stand-out players during PSG's impressive season was Achraf Hakimi.

Arguably the best right-back in the world, he also scored two goals and caught the eye with his marauding runs forward during the Club World Cup.

The Moroccan is a key part of the French side's play, and he could be a contender for the Ballon d'Or prize.

He was recently as big as 66/1 with bookmakers, but has been backed into 25/1.

Palmer In The Mix After Club World Cup Glory

Cole Palmer reminded the Ballon d'Or voters of his talents when he scored twice in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup. 

It rounded off a solid season for the Englishman, who also helped the Blues win the Conference League thanks to a 4-1 win over Real Betis.

Palmer's 15 goals helped Chelsea finish fourth in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League. 

The 23-year-old is 33/1 to win the Ballon d'Or. 

Mbappe Likely To Miss Out

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 50/1.

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 Frenchman may have to wait for another year to get his hands on the prestigious trophy.

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 currently 40/1 for the Ballon d'Or. 

Other names in the frame include the Georgian's PSG team-mates Nuno Mendes (40/1) and Fabian Ruiz (25/1).