Ballon d’Or 2025: Ronaldinho Chooses Among Lamine Yamal, Dembele, Raphinha
- Former Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho has made his pick for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, with stars like Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele the leading contenders
- Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the award last season ahead of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior
- This year, Paris Saint-Germain stars Dembele and Vitinha are in contention after their Champions League triumph
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho has made his Ballon d'Or pick, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling battle between Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and Raphinha.
Source: Getty Images
Dembele is considered the frontrunner, thanks to his standout performances with Paris Saint-Germain, particularly in the Champions League.
Rodri controversially beat Vinicius Junior to claim the 2024 award, but this year’s ceremony is expected to be far less dramatic.
Who are the 2025 Ballon d'Or contenders?
Barcelona's Yamal and Raphinha, PSG's Dembele and Vitinha, along with Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, are considered the top favourites.
Yamal earned rave reviews for his breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, delivering exceptional performances, especially in key Champions League matches.
The Euro 2024 winner recorded 18 goals and 25 assists across 5 games in all competitions.
Raphinha, meanwhile, was also outstanding last season, recording 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 matches across all competitions. He’s undoubtedly a strong contender for the award.
Premier League Golden Boot winner Salah played a pivotal role in helping Liverpool secure their 20th English title with eye-catching performances. He could become the first African player since George Weah in 1995 to win the Ballon d'Or.
Vitinha and Dembele played starring roles in PSG's treble-winning season. The Portuguese midfielder also won the UEFA Nations League.
Who is Ronaldinho picking to win Ballon d'Or?
Ronaldinho won the award in 2005, and since then, Kaka is the only other Brazilian to claim the prestigious honour.
He said the Spanish wonderkid is a future winner of the award.
"He's a precocious talent. I love watching him because he’s inventive," Ronaldinho said via Sportbible. "If he continues to work hard, he’ll become a huge star. The next Ballon d’Or winner, for sure."
Yamal is hailed as one of the most exciting young talents in world football after his breakthrough season.
What did coaches, players say about Yamal?
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said Yamal can reach Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's level.
"We’re looking at a player destined to make history. Everything we see from him week after week, and everything we hear about his personality, suggests he can become an exceptional player in the coming years, someone on the level of Messi or Cristiano," he told Gazzeta dello Sport.
Source: Getty Images
After their clash against Barcelona, former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi said a player like Yamal is rare.
"I haven't seen a player like Yamal in the last eight or nine years," said Inter boss Inzaghi after the game. "We had to put three players on him."
Last year, Ronaldo weighed in on the youngster.
"I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal. I hope he does not have any problems in the future and I think he will be one of the best in this generation, for sure," he said via GOAL.
Bukayo Saka lauds Lamine Yamal
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka heaped praise on Lamine Yamal.
The England star is amazed at Yamal's brilliance, especially at his age.
Saka, like many other players, showered the wonderkid with praise after his incredible performances last season.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
