The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, and as we enter 2025, fans and experts alike are speculating about who might win this year’s prize.
Based on current performances and expert analyses, several players have emerged as strong contenders for the title.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these football stars.
Players and Their 2024 Performances
| Player | Age | Team | Goals | Appearances | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | 32 | Liverpool | 20 | 26 | 17 |
| Vinícius Júnior | 24 | Real Madrid | 18 | 30 | 12 |
| Lamine Yamal | 17 | Barcelona | 10 | 28 | 8 |
| Erling Haaland | 24 | Manchester City | 35 | 32 | 5 |
| Harry Kane | 31 | Bayern Munich | 25 | 29 | 10 |
| Kylian Mbappé | 26 | Real Madrid | 30 | 31 | 9 |
| Jamal Musiala | 22 | Bayern Munich | 15 | 28 | 14 |
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah has been in excellent form this season.
With 20 goals and 17 assists in just 26 appearances, the Egyptian winger has been a key player for Liverpool.
Salah’s ability to create and score goals has helped his team perform well in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Many believe this could be Salah’s year to finally win the Ballon d’Or.
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vinícius Júnior continues to shine for Real Madrid.
The Brazilian winger’s pace, skill, and finishing have made him one of the most exciting players in the world.
His consistency and big-match performances have solidified his reputation, making him a strong candidate for this year’s award.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is one of the youngest contenders for the Ballon d’Or.
The Barcelona forward has been a standout player, showing maturity and skill beyond his years.
If he continues to perform at this level, he could make history as one of the youngest winners of the prestigious prize.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring ability makes him a perennial favorite for football’s top individual honors.
The Norwegian striker has been in unstoppable form for Manchester City, scoring goals in almost every game.
His dominance in front of the goal is a major reason why he is considered one of the favorites for the Ballon d’Or.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Since joining Bayern Munich, Harry Kane has continued to prove why he is one of the best strikers in the world.
His goal-scoring and playmaking abilities have been crucial for Bayern’s success this season. Kane’s consistency and leadership make him a top contender for the award.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid has only added to his star power.
The French forward has been in outstanding form, scoring goals and providing assists in key matches. Mbappé’s talent and big-game performances have placed him among the favorites for the Ballon d’Or.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala is another strong candidate for this year’s award.
The young German midfielder has been a creative force for Bayern Munich, scoring goals and assisting his teammates.
Musiala’s vision and skill on the ball have impressed fans and experts alike, making him a serious contender.
Who Will Win?
While it is difficult to predict the winner at this stage, the competition is fierce.
Each of these players has demonstrated exceptional skill and impact on their teams, making the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or one of the most exciting in recent memory.
As the season progresses, fans will eagerly watch to see who comes out on top.
The official shortlist for the Ballon d’Or will be announced later this year, with the award ceremony likely taking place in October.
Until then, the football world will continue to debate and discuss who truly deserves to be crowned the best player in the world.