Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but who will win football’s biggest individual prize later this year? Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been making his case with a superb individual season that could see him break several big records. Salah, who last year didn’t make the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, could be rivalled by Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Who Are the Favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
The prestigious Ballon d’Or will not be awarded until October, but speculation is already heating up over who will claim football’s highest individual honor. With the season in full swing, several players have emerged as frontrunners, delivering standout performances that could sway the voters.
At the forefront of the race is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who is enjoying a sensational campaign filled with goals, assists, and record-breaking performances. Salah has twice finished fifth in Ballon d’Or voting, but after failing to even make the 30-man shortlist last year, he is now making an undeniable case for the award. Meanwhile, 2024 winner Rodri, who helped Manchester City to multiple trophies last season, won’t be defending his title after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
So, who has the best chance of lifting the trophy later this year?
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Arsène Wenger summed it up best after watching Salah shine in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City:
“You cannot rule him out for any special award – this guy is exceptional.”
Salah is currently producing one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Premier League history, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s hunt for silverware across multiple competitions. His goal-scoring exploits, creative brilliance, and consistency have placed him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes that team success will be a key factor in Salah’s chances:
“It’s a good thing that Mo is in the discussion because it means he’s doing well and we are doing well,” Slot said. “But for him to stay in that discussion, he needs to maintain the same level of performances he has delivered for the past seven or eight months. Generally, a Ballon d’Or winner needs to win major trophies, so it’s a challenge for both him and the team.”
With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, silverware could be the final piece that cements Salah’s claim to the award.
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
When former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was asked last November who he believed would win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, his answer was simple: Kylian Mbappe.
Fast forward to 2025, and Mbappe’s case has only strengthened. The French superstar has been in electrifying form for Real Madrid, scoring at an astonishing rate and delivering big performances in crucial matches. His recent hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League was a statement moment that showcased his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
One major accolade still missing from Mbappe’s trophy cabinet is the Champions League. If he can lead Real Madrid to European glory, it would significantly boost his chances of finally winning the Ballon d’Or. Mbappe previously finished third in the 2023 rankings but could climb higher this time around.
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior came agonizingly close to winning the Ballon d’Or last year, finishing as the runner-up. Real Madrid were so frustrated by the final standings that they opted to boycott the awards ceremony entirely.
Could 2025 be the year Vinicius claims football’s top individual prize?
The Brazilian winger has continued to impress with his dazzling dribbling, creative play, and decisive contributions in front of goal. However, his biggest challenge might come from within his own team—outshining Kylian Mbappe. With both players vying for the spotlight, standout performances in the Champions League knockout stages will be crucial in determining who emerges as Real Madrid’s top candidate.
If Vinicius does win, he would become the first Brazilian since Kaka in 2007 to lift the Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already making waves in world football. After winning the Kopa Trophy last year—awarded to the best player under 21—the Barcelona prodigy is now being mentioned in Ballon d’Or discussions.
Yamal has been a creative force for Barça this season, leading La Liga in assists and dazzling fans with his skill and vision. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has hailed him as a “genius”, recognizing his ability to change games with moments of brilliance.
However, while his talent is undeniable, Yamal’s overall stats might not yet be enough to claim the Ballon d’Or this year. If he helps Barcelona secure major silverware, his case could strengthen, but he remains more of an outside contender for now.
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Though not yet considered a frontrunner, Raphinha has quietly built a compelling case for Ballon d’Or consideration. The Brazilian winger has been in outstanding form for Barcelona, consistently delivering goals and assists in both La Liga and the Champions League.
If he maintains his current trajectory and plays a decisive role in Barça’s potential title wins, Raphinha could emerge as a dark horse in the Ballon d’Or race. With strong individual performances and team success, his name might be in the conversation when voting takes place later this year.
Who Will Claim Football’s Biggest Prize?
With months still to go before the Ballon d’Or is awarded, the race remains wide open. Salah, Mbappe, and Vinicius appear to be the top contenders, but the final outcome could hinge on performances in the latter stages of the Champions League and domestic campaigns.
One thing is certain: the road to the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be thrilling, and every game from now until October could be a defining moment in the battle for football’s ultimate individual accolade.
