The 2025 Ballon d’Or race heats up with stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappé in contention
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What Makes the Ballon d’Or So Coveted?
The Ballon d’Or isn’t just another football award. Since its inception in 1956, it has symbolized the pinnacle of individual achievement in world football. Players who’ve won it—think Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—have marked eras and inspired generations. This year, as the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly fades, a new chapter beckons. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and frankly, exhilarating. The winner isn’t just judged on goals but influence, trophies, and impact during the season.
Top Contenders This Year
This 2025 race promises incredible depth. Here’s a snapshot of the standout players most tipped to win:
Rank
Player
Club
Country
Position
Notable Achievements 2024/25
1
Ousmane Dembélé
Paris Saint-Germain
France
Forward
Key in PSG’s treble win, standout winger role
2
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Spain
Forward
Young sensation, pivotal in Barcelona’s attack
3
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
Egypt
Forward
Premier League winner, consistent goal contributor
4
Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain
Portugal
Midfielder
Integral in midfield for PSG’s dominant season
5
Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid
France
Forward
European Golden Shoe winner, prolific goal scorer
Notably, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri misses out due to early ACL injury this season. It’s a wide-open battle with experience meeting raw talent.
Statistical Breakdown of Key Players
Let’s delve a bit deeper into performance metrics for the top tier:
Player
Games Played
Goals
Assists
Trophies Won
Ousmane Dembélé
55
29
15
Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League
Lamine Yamal
48
20
18
La Liga
Mohamed Salah
52
27
12
Premier League
Vitinha
50
6
22
Ligue 1, Champions League
Kylian Mbappé
55
42
4
European Golden Shoe
Image how intense the race is when stats mix goals, assists, and trophies.
The New Generation: Lamine Yamal and Rising Stars
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has catapulted into the conversation. His pace, skill, and fearless approach have made him one of the most exciting players in La Liga this season. Many regard him as the future face of world football. Plus, with Barcelona’s outstanding season, his chances have skyrocketed. Honestly, watching his highlights, you’d think he’s been in the spotlight for years.
The Veterans: Mbappé, Salah, and Others
Meanwhile, established stars like Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah continue to dazzle. Mbappé’s hat-trick in El Clasico reminded us of his explosiveness, even if Real Madrid’s trophy haul was limited. Salah’s impact at Liverpool, spearheading their Premier League win with crucial goals and assists, keeps him in contention. Both show that experience and consistency still matter big time.
Predictions: Who Has the Edge?
Bookmakers and pundits currently view Ousmane Dembélé as the favorite, owing largely to PSG’s unprecedented treble and his key role in all fronts. However, the buzz around Lamine Yamal is intense — so much that some experts believe this teenage prodigy might just pull off a shock win. It’ll boil down to late-season performances and what the jury values most: youth and flair or proven world-class consistency.
My Personal Take and Anecdote
Honestly, the Ballon d’Or race has never grabbed me like this before. The blend of youth surging in and veterans maintaining form creates such suspense. I remember last season when I watched Dembélé’s exhilarating Champions League goals; the skill just blew me away. And Yamal’s fearless runs make me root for the underdog. I’m leaning towards Dembélé, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Yamal shakes things up. It’s going to be a thrilling autumn.
FAQs
Q1. When is the Ballon d’Or ceremony for 2025?
The ceremony is scheduled for early October 2025, typically held at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Q2. Who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024?
Rodri won in 2024, becoming the first Spaniard since 1960 to win the award.
Q3. Is Lionel Messi in the running this year?
With Messi focusing away from European leagues and into retirement-style seasons, he’s not a top contender.
Q4. How is the Ballon d’Or winner chosen?
Votes are cast by journalists worldwide based on players’ performances over the season.
Q5. Could Lamine Yamal become the youngest winner ever?
Yes, at 17, a win would make him the youngest recipient in history.
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