As these players compete at the highest level in the coming months, the race for the Ballon d’Or will keep shifting.
It’s been just five months since Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but people are already talking about who will win it next. Who picked the trophies, who scored the most goals and who made the most contributions? All of these questions will be considered as they choose the next player to pick up the the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah has been playing like he just entered his prime since the arrival of Arne Slot. With 39 goal contributions in 30 games, the Egyptian has won some votes already. However, after a nervy start to his Madrid career, Kylian Mbappe is chasing Salah with every matchday.
With the knockout stages still ahead and most leagues yet to be decided, nothing is certain. As these players compete at the highest level in the coming months, the race for the Ballon d’Or will keep shifting.
Odds via Bet365
(As of March 6)
Starting all 29 Premier League games, Mohamed Salah has recorded 42 goal contributions for Liverpool. He currently leads the Golden Boot race by seven goals (27 total) as the Reds have remained at the top of the table since the start of the season.
After being left out of the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, the Egyptian has responded in spectacular fashion. With the arrival of Arne Slot, Liverpool are now considered contenders in every competition. If Salah continues his scoring form and helps the Reds secure silverware, the 32-year-old could become the first African player to lift the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in 1995.
Kylian Mbappe, who had a relatively quiet start by his standards after arriving at Real Madrid, has picked up the pace in 2025. The French superstar is currently the second-highest scorer in La Liga with 18 goals and ranks among the top five goal scorers in the UEFA Champions League with seven.
Since the start of 2025, Mbappe has netted eight goals in La Liga. If he maintains this form while Los Blancos push for major trophies, he could significantly boost his chances by the time Ballon d’Or votes are cast.
Vinicius Jr was the runner-up for the trophy in 2024 as he continues his fine form. Real Madrid’s star winger has continued to shine under Carlo Ancelotti being their joint top scorer in the Champions League (7).
As of March, the 24-year-old has recorded 15 goal contributions in La Liga. It will be interesting to see if he continues his form for the remainder of the season as he aims for the Golden Ball.
One of the most improved players this season is 17-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. The Spanish prodigy, who had a standout Euro 2024, has continued his impressive form without looking back.
After becoming the youngest player to ever compete in the European Championship, Yamal recorded one goal and four assists in the tournament. He has also played a key role in guiding Barcelona to the top of the La Liga table. As of March, he leads the league in assists with 11, the highest by any player.
Barcelona’s leading man this season, Raphinha, hasn’t looked back since arriving from Leeds United. Raphinha, who is currently the highest rated La Liga player, has 20 G/A contributions in the competition.
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