Four players smile in front of a giant Ballon d'Or, each wearing their respective club's uniform.
Mbappé, Salah, Yamal, and Dembélé with the Ballon d'Or behind them | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Here's how the Ballon d'Or favorites stand: updated list after the season ended

After the Champions League final, the list of Ballon d'Or candidates is as follows

by

Borja Díaz

PSG won the Champions League after defeating Inter in the final with a resounding 5-0 on the scoreboard. With that match, the season is considered over, although the Club World Cup is still left. However, many are already starting to shape the list of favorites for the Ballon d'Or.

It is true that after Rodri's controversial victory last year, it seems difficult to make a prediction. That last edition opened the door to injustices, such as the best player not winning it. For this one, for now, some candidates are starting to stand out as potential winners.

A player in an FC Barcelona uniform celebrates with crossed arms and a bandaged hand in a stadium full of spectators.
Lamine Yamal celebrating a goal | Real Madrid Confidencial

The one who appears as the favorite is Lamine Yamal, for whom the Culers are already running a media campaign. They want to influence everything, and right now they're managing to have him lead the lists. Although closely followed by Dembélé, whom analysts consider the main candidate.

It is true that the lists haven't been updated yet after PSG's Champions League win. That could change everything, since without a European Championship or a World Cup, it's a trophy with a lot of weight. The gap between the Spaniard and the Frenchman was really small.

Other candidates who see their chances from afar

Reaching the Champions League final seems like it could earn a reward in the final Ballon d'Or ranking. Lautaro Martínez, Donnarumma, Kvaratskhelia, and Achraf have made it into the top 10. Although it seems unlikely that any of them will pull off a major surprise this year.

Two players in white jerseys hug on the field while the crowd watches.
Brahim hugging Mbappé during a match | Real Madrid Confidencial

Mbappé also appears despite not having started the season in the best way. A UEFA Super Cup and an Intercontinental Cup join the Pichichi and the Golden Boot as merits for the Ballon d'Or. Although it seems unlikely that he'll win, he will be near the top of the list.

Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, and Pedri are the three who also appear as favorites to compete for the award. Although not having reached the Champions League final may end up weighing on all three. Yet, they've managed to win their respective leagues this season.

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