The 2025 Ballon d’Or top contender list is already shaping up, with players like Kylian Mbappe and Raphinha making statements.
Numerous names have been drawn up by fans and analysts alike. Among names, Mohamed Salah is one many are looking to see where he would rank.
Rodri is the current holder of the highly rated football award after beating Brazil and Real Madrid Vinicius Junior.
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The Road to 2025 Ballon d’Or
Christian Ronaldo and Lionel Messi once had a dominant era where the Football award was going to either one of them. However, it is a new era in which other players have been allowed to claim the ballon d’Or. One of the most prestigious awards in the world of sports today.
So many players have stepped up their game to make themselves the new driving force when it comes to the biggest award. As the competition intensifies, betting markets have already begun establishing odds on potential winners, with platforms offering statistical insights as well as different promos, such as the one available on Action Network, on major sporting awards throughout the season.
La Liga has provided so many past winners, including the greatest of them all, which was between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. There is no difference when it comes to the new era of players, with most of them currently playing in Spain.
We saw Rodri getting the nod over Vinicius in 2024, and we should be seeing another close challenge for 2025.
Kylian Mbappe is one among the names tipped for success with performance this season.
Barcelona and Brazilian player Raphinha is one strong contender vying for the crown, as he has been on perfect form with his club.
Teenager Lamine Yamal is still filled with surprise when it comes to who could be smiling home on that night.
Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah isn’t far away from being part of the contenders despite many analysts thinking he is off the list.
Vinicius Junior would be looking to finally claim what is well deserving to him after losing out to Rodri.
Top 5 Ballon D’or Contenders
Out of the long list of players who have been exceptional so far this season, this handful of five have done much better.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
The Reds forward remains one of the most consistent performers in world football despite his age. Salah’s remarkable work rate with his ability to churn out goals and assists in the Premier League, has cemented his reputation as a contender.
Although setbacks in European competitions have dented his overall campaign, his high output at the club level continues to make him a key candidate. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure are traits that keep him in the conversation for football’s most coveted individual accolade.
Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, he is already turning heads with his mature performances for Barcelona and Spain. Yamal’s rapid development and consistency in La Liga have been key as he leads in passes and assists, which suggests he could soon be among the game’s elite.
As a prodigious talent with a bright future, he is viewed as a contender to win the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid)
The chances of Vini claiming this award are still very high as he continues to make of massive contribution to both club and country. He continues to be a driving force for Real Madrid despite Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, which has shifted the attention.
The Brazilian missed out on being crowned in 2024 despite numerous leaks claiming he was the original winner of the award. Vinicius Junior stands as a strong contender who continues to push through the season despite so much noise around him.
Raphinha (Brazil/Barcelona)
He has transformed into one of Barcelona’s most dynamic wingers despite having a slow start after his big money move from Leeds United. His electrifying dribbling and vision have lit up both La Liga and the Champions League. He has also shaped himself into a prolific goal-scoring and creative player.
His ability to consistently unlock defenses has not only boosted his tally but also propelled his team into title challenges.
His impressive numbers this season have made him widely regarded as the frontrunner to make history as another Brazilian winner of the award.
Kylian Mbappe (France/Real Madrid)
The French International has quickly acclimated to life at Madrid after a challenging adjustment period following his blockbuster move from PSG.
Kylian Mbappe is the complete player who has been brilliant since his days in Monaco. His moments of individual brilliance have re-established him as one of the world’s elite forwards.
Mbappe’s evolution at Madrid is evident in his growing influence in both domestic and European competitions.
His rapid goal-scoring in La Liga and pivotal performances in the Champions League underline his capacity to change games single-handedly.
Key Performances & Statistical Breakdowns
Lamine Yamal has rapidly emerged as one of Barcelona’s most exciting prospects, posing some incredible numbers.
Over the 2024/25 season, he has amassed roughly 13 goals and provided 17 assists in La Liga.
Mohamed Salah continues to be one of world football’s most prolific performers for the 2024/2025 season.
In the current season, he has recorded an impressive 32 goals alongside 22 assists for Liverpool.
Vinicius Junior has maintained a strong individual campaign, chalking up around 18 goals and 11 assists during the season.
His numbers aren’t as eye-catching as some of his rivals but Vinicius’ contributions in crucial European fixtures and his ability to change the game has been key.
Raphinha’s stats have been good, with 27 goals and 20 assists in the 2024/25 season. His form is impressive playing a key role in big games.
Kylian Mbappe has rediscovered his form after a slow start, which saw him boast a tally of around 30 goals along with 4 assists this season.
While his assist numbers may be lower compared to other elite forwards there is no doubt as to what he brings to the table.
Now, the debate remains ongoing on which player would claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or away from the current winner.
Rodri is nowhere close to making it into the top 20 or more as, throughout the season has been missing action due to injury.
The top contenders today have all gone far already this season to see a fight coming from the 2024 winner. Many analysts are going for Kylian Mbappe, who is the obvious option.
The Barcelona duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are also doing well this season, putting up some incredible figures.
Mohamed Salah is in the picture but is only hanging on after crashing out early in the Champions League this season.
The Ballon d’Or has always been the biggest with so many football greatest claiming the award during their active days.
