Who Deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or??? From Mbappé to Messi, Bellingham to Yamal — The Race Is Wide Open Like Never Before!

As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, anticipation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is reaching fever pitch. This year, football fans around the globe are witnessing what might be the most hotly contested race in over a decade. The usual superstars have dazzled, but a new generation of talents is rapidly changing the narrative — and the question now burns brighter than ever: Who truly deserves the Ballon d’Or 2025???

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé leads the discussion. His debut season at the Santiago Bernabéu has been nothing short of phenomenal. With 43 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, and a crucial role in Madrid’s treble-winning campaign — La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa de España — the Frenchman has proven his worth. His explosive pace, unmatched finishing, and big-game mentality have re-established Madrid’s dominance in European football.

Yet standing tall alongside him is his teammate, the English prodigy Jude Bellingham. The 22-year-old midfielder didn’t just shine — he ran the show. With consistent match-winning performances, Bellingham became the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s midfield. His goals in key Champions League knockouts and a commanding display at Euro 2024 have only strengthened his candidacy. Some argue that without him, Madrid’s treble might have never happened.

But this year’s shortlist isn’t just about Real Madrid. Over in Catalonia, Lamine Yamal has broken every record imaginable. At just 17, the FC Barcelona winger has carried the club through tough moments with brilliance beyond his years. Scoring 19 goals and assisting 21 more, Yamal was also Spain’s best player at Euro 2024, leading them to a semi-final finish. If he wins, he’d be the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history — and perhaps, the most deserving breakout star of the decade.

Another name forcing his way into the conversation is Ousmane Dembélé, who has reinvented himself at Paris Saint-Germain. Often plagued by injuries in previous seasons, Dembélé finally stayed fit and delivered — with 20 assists and 15 goals, including a string of dazzling performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His dribbling, creativity, and electric chemistry with Mbappé were key to PSG’s domestic double. He might not be a frontrunner, but his resurgence deserves applause.

Of course, one can’t talk about the Ballon d’Or without mentioning Lionel Messi. Now 38 and in the twilight of his career, Messi added another Copa America title with Argentina this summer. His influence on and off the pitch remains immeasurable. While critics question the level of competition in MLS, no one can deny the fairytale storyline if Messi were to win a record 9th Ballon d’Or — the ultimate parting gift to the beautiful game.

Then there’s Erling Haaland, whose scoring exploits remain mind-blowing. Although Manchester City failed to reclaim their Champions League crown, Haaland’s 36 Premier League goals and decisive strikes in the FA Cup run cannot be ignored. If the award were based solely on pure numbers, Haaland would easily be near the top of the list.

Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior has stepped out of Mbappé’s shadow to make his own case. His flair, agility, and crucial goals — particularly in the Champions League semi-finals and final — played a huge role in Madrid’s continental triumph. Some fans and pundits alike argue that while Mbappé was the face, Vinícius was the soul of Madrid’s attack.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane continued his goalscoring dominance in his debut Bundesliga season. With over 40 goals across all competitions, Kane has become Bayern Munich’s talisman, though a lack of major silverware might hurt his chances. Kevin De Bruyne, returning from injury, orchestrated Manchester City’s midfield in the final stretch of the season, reminding everyone of his world-class vision and passing range.

Defensive stalwarts like Antonio Rüdiger and Virgil van Dijk deserve mention too. Rüdiger’s rock-solid presence in Madrid’s backline was critical to their success, while Van Dijk led Liverpool’s title charge valiantly, even as they fell short in the final weeks.

Let’s not forget Victor Osimhen, whose goalscoring efforts helped Napoli reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Though inconsistent due to injuries, his impact was undeniable when fit.

In short, this year’s Ballon d’Or is wide open. The footballing world stands divided between a possible new king, a resurgent veteran, and teenage brilliance. The legacy of Mbappé, the leadership of Bellingham, the fairytale of Messi, the rise of Yamal, and the comeback of Dembélé — each narrative is compelling in its own right.

Come award night, only one player will lift the golden ball — but no matter who wins, 2025 has given us a season to remember.

So we ask again, with all sincerity and excitement: Who Deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or???