Ballon d’Or 2025 Rankings Unveiled: Rising Stars Make The Top 30

The Ballon d’Or 2025 rankings are out. Young talents Michael Olise and Florian Wirtz join stars Virgil van Dijk and Declan Rice in the top 30. This shows changes in world football.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The rankings were announced with Michael Olise at number 30, Florian Wirtz at 29, Virgil van Dijk at 28, and Declan Rice at 27. The list is based on player performances. This includes goals, assists, defensive actions, and impact in big matches during the 2024/25 season. These rankings show football’s move toward recognizing new and key players.

YOUNG TALENT TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT

Michael Olise, a Crystal Palace midfielder, had his best Premier League season. He scored 12 goals and gave 7 assists in 34 matches. In a surprising turn, Olise joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace during the season and scored twice in his first Bundesliga game. Florian Wirtz was key for Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing his prowess by scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists in the 2024/25 season. Wirtz was signed by Liverpool for a record £116 million in June. Virgil van Dijk led Liverpool’s defense and helped them finish as winners in the Premier League, ten points ahead of Arsenal. Declan Rice anchored Arsenal’s midfield, playing 36 league matches and scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists. Arsenal finished second, close behind Liverpool.

LOOKING AHEAD: TEAMS AND UPCOMING FIXTURES

Crystal Palace are 5th in the Premier League and will face leaders Liverpool next Saturday. Liverpool’s next match after Palace is against Galatasaray for the Champions League as they try to make it two wins in two matches. Arsenal, already five points behind Liverpool, will play Newcastle. Bayer Leverkusen, 11th in the Bundesliga, FC St Pauli as they try to climb the standings. This match is important as it could close their five-point deficit. These players can improve their Ballon d’Or standing with strong performances in the season’s final stage.