“Mbappé, Dembélé, Yamal… Ronaldinho has decided for the Ballon d’Or!”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is intensifying as the season nears its climax, and legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho has weighed in with his thoughts. In an exclusive interview with L’Equipe during his visit to Italy for a wine fair, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star shared his views on the top contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award.

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer dominating the conversation like they did for over a decade, the Brazilian maestro believes that the Ballon d’Or is now more open than ever. As a close observer of the beautiful game, Ronaldinho highlighted a few names that have caught his attention this season, and he didn’t hesitate to reveal his choice.

The Rise of Ousmane Dembélé

One of the standout players mentioned by Ronaldinho was Ousmane Dembélé. The Paris Saint-Germain winger, who has been in scintillating form this season, caught the Brazilian’s eye due to his exciting playing style. Ronaldinho shared his admiration for Dembélé, stating, “I really like Ousmane Dembélé. He has a bit of a Brazilian style!”

What sets Dembélé apart in Ronaldinho’s eyes is his unpredictable nature. “He is confusing, he invents, he provokes. He is often illegible, and on top of that, he scores a lot of goals,” said the 2002 World Cup winner. Dembélé, who already has 32 goals across all competitions this season, has certainly stepped up his game, and Ronaldinho is thrilled to see his evolution.

The former Barcelona star was particularly impressed by the role Dembélé has taken on at PSG, which is different from his time at Barcelona. “He is revealing himself, bursting into a different role than the one he held last season at PSG or before at Barcelona,” he emphasized. Dembélé’s versatility and the freedom he has in the attacking third have made him a crucial figure for PSG this season.

Kylian Mbappé: A Familiar Favorite

Of course, no discussion about the Ballon d’Or would be complete without mentioning Kylian Mbappé. Ronaldinho, who has long been a fan of the French forward, reaffirmed his admiration for Mbappé’s exceptional talent. “Évidemment, c’est un joueur que j’aime beaucoup. C’est un grand ami,” he said, reflecting on their friendship.

He also expressed his happiness about Mbappé’s move to La Liga, although with a humorous twist. “I’m very happy that he joined the Spanish league. We have a bit of the same trajectory after Paris… except for the club!” Ronaldinho joked, referencing his own time at Barcelona between 2003 and 2008.

Mbappé’s performances this season have only cemented his place as one of the front-runners for the Ballon d’Or. His goalscoring exploits, leadership on the pitch, and consistent performances at the highest level have made him a strong contender in the race.

The Future is Bright: Lamine Yamal

In addition to the more established names, Ronaldinho also turned his attention to some of the younger players making waves in world football. One such player is Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona sensation who has already caught the eye of fans and pundits alike.

While Yamal is still in the early stages of his career, his raw talent has been undeniable. Ronaldinho noted, “I’ve been watching Lamine Yamal, and he’s a player to keep an eye on. His skills are already at a level that many players would envy.”

The Barcelona forward has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could one day join the ranks of footballing greats. Although he may not be a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Ronaldinho’s praise is a nod to the young talent rising through the ranks.

The Ballon d’Or Race: More Open Than Ever

For Ronaldinho, the Ballon d’Or race is no longer just a battle between Messi and Ronaldo. With both legends having moved on from their peak years, there’s a new wave of talent vying for the title. “The race is more open now that Messi and Ronaldo no longer dominate the way they once did,” Ronaldinho explained.

This shift in the football landscape has made for a more competitive and unpredictable Ballon d’Or race. Players like Mbappé, Dembélé, and Yamal are providing a glimpse into the future of football, and it’s clear that the next generation is ready to take over the mantle of global superstardom.

Ronaldinho’s Legacy and Influence

As one of the most gifted players of his generation, Ronaldinho’s opinion on the Ballon d’Or carries significant weight. His accolades speak for themselves, and his unique style of play — a blend of flair, vision, and technical brilliance — continues to inspire players around the world.

Despite having retired from professional football, Ronaldinho remains an influential figure in the footballing world. His observations are a testament to his continued passion for the game and his ability to spot talent. While his own career may have concluded, his love for football, especially the next generation of stars, has not waned.

The Challenge Ahead: Who Will Claim the Ballon d’Or?

As the 2025 Ballon d’Or approaches, the competition is fierce. The likes of Mbappé, Dembélé, and Yamal are all making strong cases for the prestigious award, but there are also other players who could surprise fans and pundits alike.

The Ballon d’Or has always been a reflection of a player’s excellence over the past year, and with the current crop of footballing talent, the decision will be a difficult one. As the season reaches its final stages, each of these players will look to cement their legacy with pivotal performances in key matches.

Conclusion: A New Era of Footballing Superstars

In conclusion, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is one of the most exciting in recent memory. With the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo now behind us, new stars have emerged to take their place. Ronaldinho’s endorsement of players like Mbappé, Dembélé, and Yamal highlights the depth of talent in today’s game, and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately claims the coveted prize.

As the world waits for the final outcome, one thing is for certain: the future of football is in good hands. With players like Dembélé, Mbappé, and Yamal leading the charge, the game is only getting more exciting.

The race for the Ballon d’Or is on, and the next chapter in the story of football’s brightest stars is about to be written.