The Ballon d’Or 2025 takes center stage at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet on September 22, honoring the standout player of the 2024/25 season.
With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in contention, football’s next generation steps forward. The spotlight now shines on fresh names, and the debate is fierce.
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s Teenage Sensation
At just 18, Lamine Yamal delivered an extraordinary season. He scored 19 goals and provided 24 assists in 65 matches, driving Barcelona to a domestic treble.
- Scored three goals and registered two assists in El Clásico fixtures.
- Set the record as the youngest Champions League scorer against Monaco.
- Claimed UEFA’s Goal of the Season for a strike against Inter Milan.
Despite his brilliance, his lavish 18th birthday celebration drew attention off the pitch. The question remains: will voters focus on his talent or distractions?
Raphinha: Record-Breaking Winger
Teammate Raphinha matched flair with numbers, posting 38 goals and 26 assists in 69 games.
- Hat-trick performance in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Bayern Munich.
- Four goals across four El Clásico clashes.
- Last-minute winner in a thrilling 5-4 comeback against Benfica.
Although he led Europe in combined goals and assists, some pundits doubt he will secure a podium finish, sparking concerns over fairness.
Ousmane Dembélé: PSG’s Redemption Story
Ousmane Dembélé staged a career revival with Paris Saint-Germain, recording 33 goals and 13 assists across 59 matches. His performances carried PSG to four trophies.
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Scored crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in knockout stages.
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Fired the decisive strike that saved PSG against Manchester City.
His resurgence puts him firmly in the race, but will his comeback narrative outweigh the statistical dominance of others?
Mohamed Salah: The Model of Consistency
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah once again proved reliable, netting 34 goals and adding 23 assists in 61 appearances.
- Claimed the Premier League Golden Boot.
- Named Premier League Player of the Season.
- Guided Liverpool to the league title.
Salah’s steady excellence could tilt votes in his favor, yet critics argue his season lacked the drama and sparkle of his rivals.
A Night of Football Drama
As Paris prepares for the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony, the football world is divided. Will the crown go to Yamal’s youthful brilliance, Raphinha’s unmatched stats, Dembélé’s redemption, or Salah’s unshakable consistency?
The answer will shape not just careers, but the future of global football’s greatest individual prize.
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