Ballon d'Or Odds: Yamal Now Favourite For Prestigious Prize

Lamine Yamal has replaced Ousmane Demeble as favourite for the Ballon d'Or according to football betting sites after an impressive end to the season.

Heading into the Champions League semi-final second-legs, Yamal and Raphinha were leading the market to win the Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded on October 27.

But Dembele overtook both after Barcelona were knocked out of the competition and PSG went through to the final.

However, after playing a pivotal role in the recent El Classico victory and starring as Barcelona won La Liga once again, Yamal in now the frontrunner to land the coveted prize.

Individual performances in the Champions League final in Munich on Saturday, May 31, could still affect the trophy's destination, and the market is likely to change significantly depending on the outcome.

Below, we look at the players in the running and the best odds being offered by betting sites.

Teenager Yamal Continues To Shine  

Despite Barcelona's exit from the Champions League, Yamal is now favourite for the Ballon d'Or.

The teenage sensation enjoyed a remarkable season, his 18 goals and 25 assists in all competitions helping Barca to a LaLiga and Copa del Rey double, with only an extra-time defeat to Inter at the San Siro preventing Hansi Flick’s men from reaching the Champions League final.

His role in Barca's 4-3 comeback win in May’s crucial El Clasico, ending Real Madrid’s hopes of a late-season LaLiga comeback, surely helped elevate Yamal to top spot in the latest Ballon d'Or odds.

For now, Yamal is 11/8, but he could be overtaken by players from Inter or PSG, who will do battle for Champions League glory on May 31.

Ballon d'Or 2025 Odds:

(Odds correct at 2.00pm, 22 May, 2025)

This Could Be Dembele's Year 

Since the turn of the year, Dembele has arguably been the best player in Europe.

The Frenchman has been banging in the goals and became the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 to score 21 in the first three months of a calendar year in official competitions with a club from Europe’s top five leagues.

He scored the only goal against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, and if PSG finally get their hands on the Champions League trophy, then Dembele might also win the Ballon d'Or.

He was recently named Ligue 1 player of the season, and his odds are currently 13/8 to add this accolade to his collection.

Raphinha Hopes Hit By Semi-Final Defeat

Raphinha was favourite in the Ballon d'Or market on betting apps until recently, after what has been a formidable season.

The former Leeds forward has taken his game to a new level since joining Barcelona in July 2022.

This season, the Brazil star is one of Flick's most important players as the club added a league title to the Copa del Rey they had already won.

Raphinha (9/1) thought he had scored the winner against Inter in the Champions League semi-final second leg when he found the back of the net in the 87th minute. 

But Inter had the final say with a late equaliser before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra-time.

He also scored a double in Barca's 4-3 win over Real Madrid, which all but guaranteed them another La Liga title.

Lautaro Martinez Offers Value

If this year's Ballon d'Or winner goes to a player in the final of the Champions League, then Lautaro Martinez is looking good right now. 

Martinez is currently 9/1 to win the prestigious award ahead of the big game in Munich against PSG. 

The forward was a doubt before the semi-final, second leg at the San Siro, but he played the first 70 minutes. 

During that time, he managed to score the first goal and won the penalty that gave Inter a 2-0 lead.

He has also been instrumental in his team's title challenge, with Inter currently sitting one point behind Napoli with one game to go.

Salah Drifts Despite Stellar Season

Liverpool fans can look forward to another couple of seasons watching Mohamed Salah wearing the iconic red shirt at Anfield. 

Salah looks set to win his fourth Golden Boot award after helping Arne Slot's side win their 20th league title.

The Egyptian was unable to help guide Liverpool to the final of the Champions League, which will surely hurt his chances of landing the Ballon d'Or later this year. 

However, Salah is 9/1 to be the first Liverpool player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.

Donnarumma To Rewrite History?

PSG are favourites to win the Champions League, so could that mean there is finally an heir to Lev Yashin?

Gianluigi Donnarumma has emerged as a left-field candidate to claim the award, which hasn’t been won by a goalkeeper since the Russian back in 1963.

The big Italian has been key to the club’s progress to the final and was phenomenal across two legs against Arsenal.

Another stellar performance in the final against Inter could seal it, and he is 10/1 to get his hands on the trophy.

Kvaratskhelia Key To PSG Success

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (20/1) has been brilliant since his January move from Napoli, helping the French club cruise to another league title.

Perhaps more importantly, his influence has meant that PSG remain on track for that long-awaited Champions League crown. 

He also has a chance of winning the Coupe de France, where PSG are set to face Reims in the final.

An indispensable figure in Luis Enrique’s side, he could help his club win the treble and individually he could land the Ballon d'Or.

Pedri's Odds Start To Drift

Barcelona's exit from the Champions League will impact Pedri's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or. 

The midfielder had a quiet game in the San Siro as Barca were eliminated by Inter. 

As a result, the 22-year-old has seen his odds drift from 12/1 to 25/1.

Mbappe Set To Miss Out

Despite breaking the record for most goals in a debut season for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe (20/1) looks likely to miss out on the Ballon d'Or.

Individually, his performances have been superb, scoring 29 goals in 33 La Liga games and 40 in all competitions.

But Madrid's quarter-final defeat in the Champions League caused a major blow to his chances.

Hakimi Has A Chance

Another player priced at 25/1 is Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi.

The Moroccan has 14 assists in all competitions this season and has also chipped in with seven goals.

If he can add to that total in the Champions League final, his odds may shorten significantly.

Other outsiders for the trophy include Marcus Thuram and Desire Doue, who are both 100/1.