Who Will Win the 2025 Ballon d’Or? A Tight Race Between Legends and Rising Stars
As the 2024/25 football season wraps up, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up like never before. This year’s competition is wide open, with both seasoned legends and emerging stars making strong cases for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Kylian Mbappé has delivered a sensational first season at Real Madrid. With 43 goals and 18 assists, he was instrumental in the club’s treble triumph—La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa. His speed, precision, and knack for scoring in big matches have reignited Madrid’s European dominance.
Right beside him is teammate Jude Bellingham, who at 22 has become the engine of Madrid’s midfield. From Champions League knockout brilliance to Euro 2024 dominance, Bellingham’s influence has been undeniable. Many argue Madrid’s historic season wouldn’t have happened without him.
In Barcelona, Lamine Yamal has shattered expectations. At just 17, he scored 19 goals and provided 21 assists, emerging as Spain’s standout player at Euro 2024. If he wins, he’ll become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.
Ousmane Dembélé, often sidelined in past seasons, has made a stunning comeback at PSG. With 15 goals and 20 assists, his partnership with Mbappé helped secure a domestic double, adding depth to the race.
Then there’s Lionel Messi, still performing at a high level at 38. After guiding Argentina to another Copa America title, a ninth Ballon d’Or could be the perfect farewell to a legendary career—even if critics question MLS competition levels.
Erling Haaland remains a scoring machine, netting 36 Premier League goals and shining in the FA Cup, despite Man City missing out on Champions League glory.
Vinícius Júnior also deserves mention. While Mbappé was the face of Madrid, Vinícius was the spark. His performances in the Champions League semi-final and final were vital.
In Germany, Harry Kane impressed with over 40 goals in his first season at Bayern Munich, though the absence of silverware may hurt his chances.
Elsewhere, Kevin De Bruyne reminded fans of his brilliance after returning from injury, guiding City through key matches with world-class playmaking.
Defensively, Antonio Rüdiger and Virgil van Dijk stood tall—Rüdiger anchoring Madrid’s defense, and Van Dijk leading Liverpool’s title push until the final weeks.
Victor Osimhen also made his mark, helping Napoli reach the Champions League quarter-finals despite injuries.
In essence, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is a perfect storm of youth, experience, comebacks, and dominance. From Mbappé’s leadership to Messi’s legacy, from Yamal’s brilliance to Bellingham’s command, the narratives are as powerful as the stats.
When the golden ball is awarded, only one player will win—but every nominee has helped make this season unforgettable.
So the big question remains: Who truly deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
