Ballon d'Or Odds: Dembele Backed For Prestigious Prize

The Ballon d'Or is the biggest individual player award in world football, and this year's trophy will be handed out on October 27.

A number of players are in the running to join the illustrious list of winners and bookmakers continue to update their odds. 

The market is predominantly dominated by players from Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, but La Liga champions-elect Barcelona are also well represented.

Individual performances in the Champions League final in Munich on Saturday, May 31, will 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.

This Could Be Dembele's Year 

Since the turn of the year, Ousmane 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 have been cut to 2.75 after the French side reached the final with a 2-1 victory over the Gunners in the second leg. 

Ballon d'Or 2025 Odds:

(Odds correct at 11.30am, 12 May, 2025)

Teenager Lamine Yamal Continues to Shine  

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

Yamal was outstanding for Barca in their semi-final defeat to Inter, scoring once and hitting the woodwork three times.

His final effort that was denied by a post came a minute before the Italian side equalised through veteran defender Francesco Acerbi, which took the tie to extra-time. 

For now, Yamal is 4.00, but he could be overtaken by players from Inter or PSG, who will do battle for Champions League glory on May 31.

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 Hansi Flick's most important players as the club look to add a league title to the Copa del Rey they have already won.

Raphinha (6.00) thought he had scored the winner against Inter 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 has all but guaranteed them another La Liga title.

Lautaro Martinez Offers Great 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 8.00 to win the prestigious award, and his odds could be cut further now that Inter have reached the final. 

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, currently sitting one point behind Napoli with two games to go.

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 10.00 to get his hands on the trophy.

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 is 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 11.00 to be the first Liverpool player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kvaratskhelia Key To PSG Success

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 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. 

An indispensable figure in Luis Enrique’s side, he could end the season with three major titles, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or, which he is 11.00 to win.

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

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. 

The 22-year-old has seen his odds drift from 13.00 to 26.00.

Hakimi Has A Chance

Another player priced at 26.00 is Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi.

The Moroccan has 11 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.

Youngster Doue Enters The Market

A surprise name that has recently entered the running for the Ballon d'Or trophy is Desire Doue.

The exciting 19-year-old has become an important part of PSG's successful season.

Having joined from Rennes last summer, he has six goals and eight assists this season, and is given an outside chance for the Ballon d'Or at 41.00.

Mbappe Set To Miss Out

Despite breaking the record for most goals in a debut season for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe (41.00) is likely to miss out on the Ballon d'Or.

A hat-trick in Sunday's El Clasico took his tally to 38, but Madrid's quarter-final defeat in the Champions League caused a major blow to his chances.

Other outsiders for the trophy include Fabian Ruiz (81.00) and Declan Rice (101.00).