Which 2025 Ballon d’Or contenders are playing at the Club World Cup? Will Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele be involved?

This summer’s FIFA Club World Cup could be the last chance for some of the world’s best players to stake their claim for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Some of the world’s most iconic clubs will be involved in the tournament when it gets underway on Sunday.

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is still wide open after an unpredictable 2024/25 season.

With the winner set to be revealed in September, the FIFA Club World Cup could be key to deciding who walks away with the most coveted individual honour in world football.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the 2025 Ballon d’Or contenders who will be involved in the competition.

Ousmane Dembele is leading the way in the race to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a sensational campaign with PSG.

He inspired the French giants to their first UEFA Champions League crown after adopting a new role as a false nine.

He finished the season with 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, meaning a strong showing at the FIFA Club World Cup could be enough to see him claim his first Ballon d’Or.

Dembele may have led the line for the Champions League winners, but Vitinha pulled the strings from midfield.

He was a crucial part of his club’s success in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, but he also starred on the international stage.

The 25-year-old also helped Portugal beat Spain in the UEFA Nations League final earlier this month.

More impressive performances at the FIFA Club World Cup could be the final boost he needs in his bid to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Achraf Hakimi was a powerhouse in defence and attack for his side this season.

He scored the opening goal in the UEFA Champions League final, and is now also in the running for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Desire Doue could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner of all time if he wins it this year.

He will also be part of their squad at the FIFA Club World Cup, and more goals and assists could see him leapfrog his more experienced rivals in the rankings.

Lautaro Martinez may have been on the losing side of the Champions League final, but he deserves recognition after another excellent season with Inter Milan.

The Serie A side will also take part in the FIFA Club World Cup, and he could make up for last month’s disappointment by winning the competition.

If he does, he will do his hopes of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or a world of good.

Erling Haaland may not have enjoyed his best season with Manchester City, but he still finished the campaign with a ridiculous 31 goals and four assists in 44 appearances.

City’s trophyless campaign could count against him, but that will change if he can inspire them to victory at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Last year’s runner-up is still one of the most potent attacking forces in world football.

Los Blancos will be desperate to carry their remarkable record in the Champions League into the FIFA Club World Cup, and if Vinicius Junior is at his best, there is no telling what they can achieve.

If they lift the trophy, and the Brazilian plays well, he could go one step further in the Ballon d’Or rankings this year.

Kylian Mbappe appeared to leave PSG to finally win the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.

He may have missed out on Europe’s elite competition, but he could still show he deserves to win the highest individual honour by starring at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Lionel Messi may not be at the peak of his powers, but he is still one of the most dangerous players in world football.

He has scored 15 goals and registered six assists for Inter Miami this season, and a phenomenal display at the FIFA Club World Cup could see him return to the top of the Ballon d’Or rankings once again.