The race for the coveted Ballon d’Or is heating up, with an African player currently dominating the conversation. For years, the award was practically a two-man show, with cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi sharing the spotlight. Their dominance, spanning from 2008 to 2017, made the debate predictable, focusing solely on thes two footballing titans. Now, as they approach the twilight of their careers, the field is wide open, creating a thrilling sense of anticipation for the next Ballon d’Or winner.
Last year’s ceremony sparked controversy when Rodri clinched the award, edging out Vinicius Jr., who many believed was the deserving candidate. As the 2025 Ballon d’Or race intensifies, we’re entering the crucial phase of the season. While the season is far from over, goal has already released its top 5 contenders. Leading the pack is mohamed Salah, who has emerged as the frontrunner. Hot on his heels are Brazilian stars Vinicius Jr.and Raphinha, followed by the prodigious Jamal Musiala and the experienced Robert Lewandowski.
This year’s race features a compelling mix of established stars and rising talents. Lewandowski and Vinicius Jr., who secured second place in 2021 and 2024 respectively, are looking to finally claim the top prize. For Raphinha and Musiala,this marks their first foray into the Ballon d’Or conversation. Raphinha’s dazzling performances for Barcelona under Hansi Flick have caught the eye, while Musiala continues to shine brightly for Bayern Munich.
Salah, at 32, appears to be rediscovering his peak form, leading Liverpool with remarkable consistency. His Premier League stats are staggering: 17 goals and 13 assists in just 18 matches. Across all competitions, he boasts an impressive 20 goals and 17 assists.since 2018, Salah has consistently been a top contender for the ballon d’Or, and his current form suggests he’s a serious threat to claim the prestigious award.
As the season progresses, these exceptional players will be pushing their teams to victory, hoping to solidify their claims for the Ballon d’or. The race is far from over, promising an exciting and unpredictable journey to determine football’s next global superstar.
Ballon d’Or 2025: A New Era Dawns? - an Exclusive interview with Thierry Henry
The race for the Ballon d’Or is heating up, and with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly entering the final chapters of their legendary careers, the landscape has shifted dramatically. A new generation of talent is vying for football’s most prestigious individual award, prompting an exciting and unpredictable battle.
To dissect the current frontrunners and delve into the implications of this changing tide,we sat down with Arsenal legend and former Ballon d’or runner-up,Thierry Henry.
Moderator: Thierry, thanks for joining us. The Ballon d’Or race this year seems wide open with Mohamed Salah leading the pack. What’s your take on his chances?
Thierry Henry: Salah is having another phenomenal season, no doubt about it. His consistency and prolific goal-scoring for Liverpool are stunning. The way he’s carrying the team is reminiscent of his peak form in 2018. Though, the Ballon d’Or isn’t just about individual stats; it’s about Trophies too.
Moderator: That’s a crucial point. Last year’s controversy surrounding Rodri’s win over Vinicius Jr. sparked debate about the weight given to team success versus individual brilliance.
Thierry Henry: Absolutely. While Vinicius Jr. had a stunning Champions League campaign, Rodri was instrumental in Manchester City’s treble-winning season. Ultimately, the voters decided that collective success played a bigger role.
Moderator: We have a good mix of established stars and exciting youngsters in the top contenders this year. Alongside Salah, we have Vinicius Jr.,Raphinha,and Jamal Musiala making waves. What do you make of these young talents?
thierry Henry: They’re incredibly exciting to watch. Vinicius Jr. showed his quality last year and is driven to win it this time around. Raphinha’s move to Barcelona seems to have revitalized him, and his partnership with Robert Lewandowski is flourishing. Musiala is a special player; his maturity and composure at such a young age are remarkable. Bayern Munich nurturing another superstar!
Moderator: Speaking of Lewandowski, he’s been a consistent force for years but hasn’t managed to clinch the Ballon d’Or yet. Do you think this could be his year?
Thierry Henry: Lewandowski is a world-class striker, and he’s hungry for that individual accolade.He’ll be pushing hard, but I think the competition this year is fierce, and the younger generation is hungry to make their mark.
Moderator: this shift in the Ballon d’Or landscape is exciting for football fans. Do you think we’re witnessing a genuine changing of the guard?
Thierry Henry: It certainly feels like it. Messi and Ronaldo were exceptional, dominating the sport for over a decade. Now, we’re seeing a new generation stepping up, driven by ambition and hungry for success.This competition is going to be exciting to watch unfold.
Moderator: What advice would you give to these young contenders jostling for the Ballon d’Or?
Thierry Henry: Stay focused, keep working hard, and enjoy the journey. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t let the pressure get to you. Just play your game and let your talent shine.
Moderator: Wise words from a legend.
Thank you for your time, Thierry. Let’s open the floor to our readers. Who do you think will win the Ballon d’Or 2025? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
