As we approach the end of the 2024-25 football season, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award on October 27 in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet is more open than ever.
With last year’s winner missing due to injury, the next champion will come from the world of football, based on club and international football performed over the season.
Lamine Yamal from Barcelona is currently the leading contender, as per Berneese.
He has certainly lit up the pitch this year, as an integral part of Barcelona’s domestic treble.
His flair and maturity would make you think he has been playing at a high level for many years, even at the very young age of 17.
On the heels of Yamal is Ousmane Dembélé from PSG.
He scored 33 goals throughout the season and was also a major player in PSG’s effort to win the UEFA Champions League.
However, Dembélé ranks second because Yamal was arguably more consistent over the nine months – this was not just about the number of goals scored.
While Raphinha has racked up an impressive record of 34 goals and 25 assists, he ranks third.
He has had an amazing season statistically, but his team’s loss in the Champions League perhaps dampens his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Fellow Barcelona player Pedri, ranked fourth, has had a stellar season controlling the midfield and dictating play.
However, Pedri’s international resume does not compare to the first three players, which might contribute to his ranking.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah rounds out the top five, with a remarkable Premier League season, but is overshadowed by Liverpool’s disappointing and early exit from the Champions League.
Other familiar names such as Lautaro Martínez from Inter, Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, as well as Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid, add additional narratives to the award race.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or demonstrates a decisive transition between the iconic legends of our past, to fresh new instances with Yamal and Dembélé right at the top.
Fans like you deserve a new king, driven by unmatched individual and collective excellence.
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