Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha: Who could rival Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah for 2025 Ballon d'Or award?
Published 25/02/2025 at 17:41 GMT
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.
Slot on Salah contract, Ballon d’Or bid and comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo
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The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will not be decided until October - but who are the current favourites to win the award?
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah looks to be the frontrunner as he continues to rack up goals and assists in what could end up as one of the all-time great individual seasons.
Salah has twice finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting, but last year didn’t even make the 30-man shortlist.
Manchester City’s Rodri won the award in 2024 but won’t be defending his trophy after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Who could be lifting the award later this year?
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
"You cannot rule him out for any special award – this guy is exceptional," was Arsene Wenger’s verdict on Mohamed Salah after watching him score and assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.
Salah is enjoying a remarkable season for Liverpool that could finish not only with record-breaking individual stats, but also silverware, with the Reds still competing in three competitions.
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'It's him again!' – Salah lashes Liverpool ahead in pulsating derby
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot thinks team success could be important to Salah's Ballon d’Or chances.
"It's a good thing that Mo is in the discussion because it means he does well and it means we are doing well," said Slot about Salah.
"But for him to stay in that discussion, he should bring in the same performances as he's done for seven or eight months now.
"I think in general, someone that wins the Ballon d'Or needs to win something as well, so it is a great challenge in front of us but also in front of him."
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Picked by Gareth Bale as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner last November, Kylian Mbappe’s case has certainly gathered pace recently.
The Real Madrid forward has scored at an impressive rate in 2025 and netted a hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
Mbappe is yet to win the Champions League but if he helps fire Real Madrid to glory, that would strengthen his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Mbappe finished in third place in the 2023 Ballon d'Or.
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Highlights: Mbappe hat-trick puts City to the sword as Real progress
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Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior came second in the Ballon d’Or voting last year. So unhappy were Real Madrid with the final standings that they decided to snub the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Could Vinicius go one better this time around?
He faces the tricky challenge of having to outshine Real Madrid team-mate Mbappe, with both knowing big displays in the Champions League knockout phase will be key.
The last Brazilian to win the Ballon d'Or was Kaka in 2007.
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'A superb individual goal' - Vinicius Jr feeds off 'exquisite' Modric pass to put Real 4-0 up
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Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
After winning the Kopa Trophy - the award given to the best player under the age of 21 - at last year’s Ballon d'Or ceremony, could Lamine Yamal win the Ballon d’Or this year?
The 17-year-old is enjoying an impressive season for Barcelona as they challenge for La Liga and the Champions League.
He has contributed the most assists in La Liga and has been described as a "genius" by Barca boss Hansi Flick.
However, his individual stats likely aren’t remarkable enough yet to win him the Ballon d’Or this year - although silverware would add to his case.
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Yamal breaks deadlock as Barcelona hit Atalanta early in second half
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Raphinha (Barcelona)
An outside pick at the moment, Raphinha has been in sparkling form for Barcelona this season, chalking up goals and assists aplenty in La Liga and the Champions League.
He has been a key part of Barca’s attack and by the end of the season could have the numbers to make a case as a leading Ballon d’Or contender.
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