The Race for the Ballon d’Or: Who Will Succeed Rodri in 2025?
It was a bitter blow for football fans worldwide when Rodri, the winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2024, suffered a season-ending knee injury in September. The Manchester City midfielder had been in scintillating form, but his absence means he will not be able to defend his crown in 2025. So, who are the main contenders to succeed the Spaniard and claim the title of the world’s best player?
A Wide-Open Race
With Rodri out of the running, the race for the Ballon d’Or in 2025 is wide open. The absence of major international tournaments this season means that the award will be decided solely by club performances, opening the door for players who might not have had the chance to shine on the international stage. Additionally, the revamped Club World Cup adds another dimension to the competition, making the race even more intriguing.
Favourites and Dark Horses
As we enter the final weeks of the European campaign, the competition for the Ballon d’Or is heating up. While traditional powerhouses like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are always in contention, there are also new faces emerging as serious contenders for the prestigious award. Players like Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, and Mohamed Salah have all been in outstanding form this season and will be looking to stake their claim for the title.
Meanwhile, young talents such as Pedri, Bukayo Saka, and Joao Felix are also making a strong case for themselves, showing that the future of football is in safe hands. With so many players vying for the top spot, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting Ballon d’Or races in recent memory.
Stay Up to Date with GOAL
As the race for the Ballon d’Or intensifies, GOAL is here every step of the way to track the contenders and the pretenders with our Ballon d’Or Power Rankings. Our expert analysis and insights will keep you informed about the latest developments in the world of football and help you stay ahead of the game.
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New Contenders Emerge
One player who has been grabbing headlines recently is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has been in sensational form for Borussia Dortmund, consistently finding the back of the net with remarkable ease. Haaland’s combination of speed, strength, and clinical finishing has made him a standout performer in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. If he continues at this rate, he could very well be a strong candidate to win the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
Another player who has been making waves is Phil Foden. The young English midfielder has been a key player for Manchester City this season, showcasing his creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Foden’s performances have drawn comparisons to his teammate Kevin De Bruyne, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the best players in the world in the coming years.
The Impact of the Club World Cup
With the introduction of the revamped Club World Cup, the dynamics of the Ballon d’Or race have shifted. The tournament now features more top clubs from around the world, providing players with the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. A standout performance in the Club World Cup could be the deciding factor in determining the winner of the Ballon d’Or, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the competition.
The Rise of Defensive Talents
While attacking players often dominate discussions surrounding the Ballon d’Or, there has been a noticeable rise in the recognition of defensive talents in recent years. Players like Ruben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, and Joshua Kimmich have all been instrumental in their teams’ success, showcasing their defensive prowess and leadership qualities. A strong showing from a defender could potentially break the trend of attacking players winning the award, adding a new dimension to the race for the Ballon d’Or.
GOAL’s Predictions and Analysis
With the Ballon d’Or race heating up, GOAL’s team of experts is closely monitoring the performances of all the contenders. Our in-depth analysis and insightful predictions will provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the players vying for the prestigious award. Stay tuned to GOAL for the latest updates, player profiles, and exclusive interviews as we approach the crowning of the next Ballon d’Or winner in 2025.
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Don’t miss out on the excitement and drama of the Ballon d’Or race – trust GOAL to keep you informed and entertained every step of the way!