Sport

Ballon d’Or 2025: New Contenders Emerge as Rodri Steps Aside

This picture taken on October 17, 2022 shows the trophy prior the 2022 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

By Tata Mbunwe

A fresh crop of contenders has emerged for the 69th Ballon d’Or awards coming up on September 22, as defending champion Rodri stays out of this year’s nominees due to a season-ending injury.

The Manchester City midfielder, who claimed the prestigious title in 2024 instead of Read Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, will not defend his crown.

The 2025 nominees, announced August 7, reflect a season of dominance by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona, with players like Ousmane Dembélé and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal leading the charge.

Dembélé, with 37 goals and 16 assists, spearheaded PSG’s triumphant campaign, securing the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions.

Yamal, the young Barcelona prodigy, impressed with 21 goals and 26 assists, contributing to a domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España.

Mohamed Salah’s 36 goals and 24 assists for Liverpool’s Premier League title, and Raphinha’s 39 goals and 25 assists for Barcelona’s treble, round out a competitive top five.

Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have dominated the award with 13 wins between them over the past 14 years, are absent from the shortlist for the second consecutive year.

The baton has been handed to a new generation, with young talents like Yamal and PSG’s Désiré Doué (16 goals, 16 assists) emerging as dark horses.

Vinicius Jr., despite a stellar 24 goals and 20 assists for Real Madrid, including the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, may feel the sting of last year’s snub to Rodri.

Goalkeeping honors see Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez aiming for a historic third consecutive Yashin Trophy, joined by a strong Premier League contingent including Alisson Becker, David Raya, and Matz Sels.

PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, with 19 clean sheets across multiple titles, is a standout, while the newly introduced Women’s Yachine Trophy features Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton among the nominees.

The Coach of the Year race highlights tactical brilliance. PSG’s Luis Enrique and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick have been favored after their Champions League and treble successes, respectively.

Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca, fresh off Conference League and Club World Cup wins, and Liverpool’s Arne Slot, who secured the Premier League, add depth.

In the women’s category, England’s Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory, faces stiff competition from Arsenal’s Renée Slegers and Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor.

Team of the Year nominations spotlight PSG and Barcelona leading the men’s list, while Arsenal and Chelsea dominate the women’s shortlist.

The introduction of the Women’s Kopa Trophy, featuring Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang and Barcelona’s Vicky López, signals a push for gender parity, complementing the established men’s version won by talents like João Neves.