As the football world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the 2025 Ballon d`Or shortlists, the perennial debate reignites: how does one truly identify the `best` individual in a sport defined by collective effort? This isn`t merely a popularity contest; it`s a profound, sometimes perplexing, examination of output, influence, and the ultimate arbiter – silverware. The 2024-25 season has delivered its share of spectacular performances and unexpected triumphs, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing Ballon d`Or battles in recent memory.
The Ballon d`Or, arguably football`s most coveted individual prize, has a unique challenge woven into its very fabric. Unlike sports where individual brilliance directly translates to victory, football thrives on synergy. A solo effort might win a moment, but it`s the cohesive unit that claims titles. This inherent paradox fuels an annual discourse, often passionate and occasionally bordering on the absurd, about who truly deserves to lift the golden ball. The 2024-25 season, spanning from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, provides the canvas for this year`s artistic interpretation of excellence.
The Men`s Game: A Tug-of-War Between Numbers and Medals
In the men`s category, the narrative often splits into two camps: the undeniable statistical output versus the irrefutable glory of team trophies. For 2025, these camps are distinctly represented.
Mohamed Salah: The Prolific Architect
At the forefront of the statistical argument stands Mohamed Salah of Liverpool. His 2024-25 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary: a staggering 34 goals and 23 assists. These are numbers that would look impressive over a two-season span, let alone one. While Liverpool might not have clinched the Champions League, Salah’s sheer volume of contributions was instrumental in their unexpected charge for a league title. His consistency, particularly in the early months of the season, effectively laid the foundation for his team`s success, matching Premier League records set in eras of longer seasons. For those who champion raw, decisive output, Salah presents an unassailable case.
Ousmane Dembele: The Champion`s Edge
Conversely, for many, the ultimate measure of greatness is etched in gold medals. Here, Ousmane Dembele emerges as a compelling candidate. As the brightest star in Paris Saint-Germain`s Champions League triumph, Dembele delivered on the biggest stage. His performances, particularly in the knockout rounds, underscored his decisive impact when it mattered most. It`s a classic conundrum: Is the best player the one who scored the most, or the one whose team won the ultimate prize? The bookmakers, often pragmatic in their assessments, lean heavily towards Dembele, suggesting that the “rings and medals” indeed hold significant sway.
Raphinha: The Quiet Dynamo
Then there`s Barcelona`s Raphinha, a player who finished the season with achievements few would have predicted. Matching Cristiano Ronaldo`s remarkable record of 21 goal contributions in a single Champions League season is no minor feat; it`s a testament to his burgeoning influence. Crowned the best player in La Liga, Raphinha offers a strong, if less vociferous, argument. The wildcard in Barcelona`s consideration, however, might be the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, potentially splitting the vote among discerning journalists.
Emerging Contenders and Key Contributors:
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG and Napoli): A dynamic winger whose flair often turned games.
- Pedri (Barcelona): The midfield maestro, orchestrating play with surgical precision.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): A breakout sensation, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG): A relentless force on the flank, combining defense and attack.
- Vitinha (PSG): The unsung hero in PSG`s midfield, crucial to their balance.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG): A towering presence between the sticks, making critical saves.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): A revelation, providing consistent attacking threat and composure.
The Women`s Game: A Spectrum of Excellence
The women`s Ballon d`Or presents a similarly intricate picture, complicated further by the interplay of club and international tournament success, such as the Women`s Euros. The established order faces challengers from unexpected quarters.
Aitana Bonmati remains the formidable favorite, her dominance for Barcelona undeniable. Alongside her teammate Alexia Putellas, she embodies the pinnacle of technical skill and tactical understanding. Yet, the question lingers: if their club was defeated in the biggest games, should that diminish their individual brilliance? This mirrors the men`s debate, highlighting the challenge of separating personal performance from team outcomes.
The English contingent from Arsenal, notably Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson, offer a compelling alternative, particularly if their successes in the Champions League and Euros final hold greater weight for voters. Their influence on pivotal tournament victories could tip the scales.
Intriguingly, stars from the NWSL have also made a strong case. Players like Esther Gonzalez and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger from Gotham FC, along with Temwa Chawinga (KC Current) and Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), underscore the global expansion of elite women`s football and the increasing diversity of top-tier talent. Their consistent performances in highly competitive leagues cannot be overlooked.
Beyond the Golden Ball: Recognizing All Facets of Footballing Brilliance
While the Ballon d`Or captures the most headlines, the ceremony acknowledges other crucial roles. The Yashin Trophy, for instance, celebrates the best goalkeepers, a position often undervalued yet undeniably vital. PSG`s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Liverpool`s Alisson lead the men`s nominations, while Ann-Katrin Berger and Hannah Hampton vie for the women`s honor, proving that even the last line of defense deserves its moment in the spotlight.
The Coach of the Year awards highlight the tactical masterminds behind successful campaigns, with Luis Enrique (PSG) and Sarina Wiegman (England) leading their respective categories. Similarly, the Club of the Year acknowledges the collective strength and consistent performance of an entire organization, recognizing that individual brilliance is always nurtured within a supportive team environment.
The Unscientific Art of Decision-Making
Ultimately, the Ballon d`Or remains more art than science. A panel of 100 journalists from leading football nations undertakes the unenviable task of weighing myriad factors: goals, assists, saves, defensive solidity, leadership, and, critically, trophies. This isn`t a simple mathematical equation. It involves subjective judgment, a holistic appreciation of a player`s impact, and perhaps, a dash of personal preference. The passionate debates it sparks are a testament to football`s emotional pull, even if they occasionally spiral into what some might term `faintly ludicrous` territory (looking at you, a certain Spanish giant who frequently feels aggrieved).
As the football world braces for the final announcements, one thing is clear: the 2025 Ballon d`Or will, once again, ignite conversations that transcend mere statistics. It’s a celebration of exceptional talent, a recognition of individual mastery within a collective pursuit. Whether the scales tip towards the prodigious goal-scorer, the Champions League hero, or the tireless midfield engine, the debate itself is as much a part of the spectacle as the award itself. And that, perhaps, is its truest charm.