The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is always a closely watched affair, with fans and pundits alike speculating on who might lift the trophy each year. As we look ahead to 2025, three players stand out as top contenders: Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappé. Each brings a unique blend of skill, performance, and potential that could see them crowned as the best in the world.
Erling Haaland has redefined what it means to be a modern striker. With his combination of speed, strength, and an uncanny ability to score from virtually anywhere, Haaland has already established himself as one of the premier forwards in world football. His transition from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City has only amplified his impact, with him breaking records and setting new benchmarks for goal-scoring.
Haaland’s journey towards the Ballon d’Or 2025 will be paved with goals, but it’s not just about the numbers. His influence on games, his ability to change the course of matches single-handedly, and his performances in crucial matches, particularly in the Champions League, will be key. His physical presence on the pitch is matched by his mental fortitude, making him a contender not just for his club but also for Norway on the international stage. If Haaland can lead Manchester City to more European glory or inspire Norway to an unexpected run in international competitions, his case for the Ballon d’Or would be significantly strengthened.
Mohamed Salah’s consistency is his biggest asset. Year after year, he has been one of the top scorers in the Premier League, and his performances have been instrumental in Liverpool’s successes both domestically and in Europe. Salah’s blend of speed, technique, and an almost telepathic understanding with his teammates makes him a constant threat.
For Salah to secure the Ballon d’Or in 2025, he’ll need to continue his stellar performances at Liverpool, possibly helping them win more silverware, including another Premier League title or a Champions League. His individual accolades, like the Golden Boot, will be important, but equally significant will be his ability to perform on the international stage with Egypt, perhaps leading them to a deep run in the African Cup of Nations or the World Cup qualifiers. Salah’s versatility, playing both as a winger and occasionally as a striker, gives him a broad impact on games, making him a consistent vote-getter for the Ballon d’Or.
Kylian Mbappé is already seen by many as the heir apparent to the Ballon d’Or throne, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. His speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess have made him one of the most exciting players to watch. After his move to Real Madrid, the expectations are sky-high, and rightfully so. Mbappé has the potential to dominate the footballing world, both at club and international levels.
Mbappé’s path to the Ballon d’Or in 2025 will likely involve leading Real Madrid to multiple trophies, something he’s well capable of doing given his track record at PSG. His performances in the Champions League, where he often shines brightest, will be crucial. Furthermore, his role in France’s national team, especially with the aim of securing another major international trophy, will be a significant factor. Mbappé’s youth, combined with his experience, puts him in a unique position where he can continue to grow and potentially peak in 2025, making him a strong contender.
The race for the Ballon d’Or is not just about individual brilliance but also about team success, personal accolades, and sometimes, the narrative around a player. For Haaland, Salah, and Mbappé, their clubs’ performances in major competitions, their national team’s achievements, and their own personal milestones will all play roles in swaying voters.
However, the Ballon d’Or often goes beyond mere statistics. It’s about the moments that define players, the leadership they show, and how they captivate the footballing world. Each of these players has shown they can do just that. Haaland with his relentless scoring, Salah with his consistent brilliance, and Mbappé with his extraordinary talent and potential to define an era.
As we look towards 2025, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappé are not just contenders for the Ballon d’Or; they are the faces of modern football, each bringing something unique to the table. Their journey to potentially win the Ballon d’Or will be watched with great interest, as each match they play could be a step closer to football’s ultimate individual accolade. With their current trajectory, any one of them could stand on that podium come 2025, celebrating not just their personal achievements but also their contribution to the beautiful game.
