Former Ballon d’Or hints at Kylian Mbappe win in 2025

The race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or is heating up, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominating the shortlist of contenders. Barcelona, having secured a treble in Hansi Flick's debut season, is well-represented, with Lamine Yamal emerging as their strongest candidate. PSG, meanwhile, achieved a historic first UEFA Champions League victory, and Ousmane Dembélé is leading their charge for the award.

Despite Real Madrid ending the season without a trophy, Kylian Mbappé delivered an outstanding individual performance, scoring 31 goals in La Liga and 44 across all competitions in 59 appearances. He is the sole representative from Real Madrid and is expected to finish in the top five, alongside players like Raphinha, Pedri, and potentially Robert Lewandowski. However, his chances of winning the top prize are considered unlikely, with his best previous finish being third in 2023.

Former Real Madrid striker and 2001 Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen has voiced strong support for Mbappé, stating on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that he believes the French international is currently the best player in the world, despite the odds being against him for the 2025 award.