As the anticipation grows for the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or on September 22, discussions about the worthy candidates have intensified. Among the contenders, Ousmane Dembélé is garnering significant attention as a frontrunner, particularly from Euro Weekly News readers, who are weighing in on potential winners based purely on merit rather than external influences.
Following a groundbreaking season, Dembélé has emerged as a strong candidate, thanks to his instrumental role in Paris Saint-Germain’s treble victory, including their first-ever Champions League title. Leading Ligue 1 with 21 goals and contributing to 14 goals in the Champions League, his performance has set a high benchmark for excellence.
However, the competition is fierce. Lamine Yamal, one of Europe’s youngest and most thrilling talents, is receiving accolades as well and is regarded as an up-and-coming star, tallying nine goals and 13 assists this season. Remarkably, at just 17 years old, he has already made history by becoming the youngest scorer in a Champions League semi-final and contributing to Barcelona’s successes, solidifying his standing as a serious contender for the award.
Euro Weekly News has recently updated its rankings of the top ten nominees, which reflects players’ pure performance metrics without the interference of politics or commercial prospects. Nuno Mendes and Robert Lewandowski are included, showcasing their significant contributions despite playing in generally less spotlighted roles. Players like Pedri, Achraf Hakimi, and João Neves also signal a new generation of talent, while seasoned stars such as Mohamed Salah and Raphinha are included for their impressive displays in high-stakes environments.
This year’s honor seems particularly poignant as it could signify a shift from the era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo toward recognizing a more diverse group of talents. Regardless of the outcome, the discussions lead to a greater appreciation for the game’s rich tapestry of players, their unique contributions, and the fluid nature of what excellence in football looks like today.
With this potential for change, one can only hope that the focus will remain on recognizing genuine merit and celebrating the evolution of talent in football. The harmony of fresh faces and established stars exemplifies the sport’s vibrant future.