In summary, Rodri became the first Spaniard since 1960 to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Although he is one of the favourites for 2025, Vinicius Jr. was disappointed not to win the prize.
Over the course of the upcoming year, Lamine Yamal might position himself to become the first teen winner.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was chosen the 2024 winner ahead of Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, seemingly ending the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly over the Ballon d’Or. With Messi and Ronaldo now playing outside of Europe, it seems as though Rodri’s win officially ushers in a new era. The midfielder played a key role in both club and national triumph.
Although the Spaniard is a worthy winner this year, it is highly doubtful that the 28-year-old will be able to successfully defend his title due to an ACL injury he sustained early in the 2024–25 season. This implies that 2025 will bring a new champion to the table, unless there is a miraculous comeback and some outstanding performances.
The coveted individual award used to be determined by a football player’s performance over the course of a year. But this time, for the third time in the award’s history, the votes are determined by the season’s outcomes. In light of this, we have compiled a list of 20 possible 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees and ranked them according to their performance thus far before this October’s ceremony.
Factors that rank
Based on the following, we have established the order:
Scored goals
Helps
Clean sheets (if you’re defensive)
Trophies earned or contended for (anticipated to) significant events during the 2024–2025 season General form
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