The 2025 Ballon d’Or voting session is coming to an end as the 2024–25 football season draws to a finish. Following a highly praised campaign, Lamine Yamal announced in March which football player will challenge him for the honour.
Only the greatest football players have had the distinction of receiving the renowned Golden Ball, a prestigious accolade that is coveted by players worldwide. Given that players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both held the top spot in the world rankings multiple times, Messi’s former side has the best chance of winning the prize.
With Hansi Flick leading the Blaugrana to their 28th league championship, Barcelona shocked the football world this season. Barca won with two games remaining after finishing 10 points behind their rivals, Real Madrid, the season before.
Two months ago, Yamal, who is vital to his team’s success, disclosed which colleague had the best chance of defeating him for the Ballon d’Or, provided that the particular requirements he listed were fulfilled.
A teammate named Lamine Yamal is the 2025 Ballon d’Or rival.
It is difficult to refute Yamal’s recommendation.
Barcelona will have three titles at the end of the 2024–2025 season: La Liga, Copa Del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana. The 125th season in the club’s existence was memorable, in addition to a valiant attempt in the Champions League, when they advanced to the semi-finals.
Since Messi’s retirement in 2021, the team has been missing a bright spark. Yamal, a graduate of La Masia, stepped up and declared himself to be not just football’s next big thing, but also its current big thing. Before any championship victories, in March, the 17-year-old told Diario Sport which of his colleagues had the best chance of surpassing him at the renowned Golden Ball in Paris.
“One of us, whoever it is, will win it if we [Barcelona] win the titles they have in store for us. I’m thrilled for Raphinha and always tell him how much he’s changed and how much fun he’s having. I’m not concerned about the Ballon d’Or.”
Raphinha’s 2024/25 Season
The Brazilian had a career year
Raphinha had his best returning season ever, contributing 56 goals with one game left to play, setting the Champions League record for goals and assists. The Brazilian had a memorable season in 2024–2025, contributing more than he had in his previous two seasons wearing the recognisable blue and red stripes.
Raphinha’s current 2024–2025 stats (for every competition)
Looks:
56
Objectives:
34
Helps:
22
He and Yamal will be competitors when the Ballon d’Or presentation takes place in September because he is a deserving candidate for the award, having won three trophies and made a significant contribution to each of them. Raphinha will hope that this is the beginning of his name continuing to be mentioned in discussions about top football once he has finally allayed any doubts regarding his decision to transfer from England to Spain.
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