The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be an exciting contest, with numerous top footballing talents vying for the prestigious award.

As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating who will emerge as the best footballer in the world for this year.

Rodri, the current Ballon d’Or holder, is unable to defend his title due to a season-ending injury, leaving the field wide open for other contenders.

While the race is still very much ongoing, several players are in the spotlight, with a few stars expected to make a strong push as the season enters its crucial stages.

One of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or is Mohamed Salah of Liverpool. His impressive performances this season have earned him widespread recognition, and many believe he has a genuine chance of claiming the coveted title.

Salah’s exceptional consistency and crucial contributions to Liverpool’s success have made him one of the top favorites for this year’s award.

In addition to Salah, other notable contenders include Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, and Barcelona’s Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

These players have all been standout performers for their respective clubs, and their individual brilliance has put them firmly in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.

Raphinha, in particular, has been exceptional this season, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists in 30 games for Barcelona.

His form has caught the attention of many, including Brazil football legend Rivaldo, who has publicly backed Raphinha as a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or.

Raphinha’s contributions have been instrumental to Barcelona’s success, and with the team continuing to challenge for major trophies, his Ballon d’Or hopes look increasingly promising.

The support for Raphinha has been strong among fans, particularly from Barcelona supporters, who have been vocal in their calls for him to be recognized as the best player in the world.

Many fans believe that if Barcelona goes on to win the Champions League, Raphinha’s chances of claiming the Ballon d’Or would be significantly boosted.

On social media, posts from fans highlight the growing excitement surrounding Raphinha’s potential to win the award, with many declaring him to be the club’s best hope for the prestigious prize.

Some fan comments reflect the mounting support for the Brazilian winger, with posts such as “GIVE RAPHINHA THE BALLON D’OR!” from Barça Universal and “Raphinha NEEDS to be pushed for the Ballon D’Or” from Reshad Rahman.

Another Barcelona fan, Abja, emphasized, “Realistically Raphinha is our best Ballon d’Or candidate,” underlining the widespread belief that the Brazilian is a strong contender.

The competition for the Ballon d’Or is expected to intensify as the season reaches its climax. With so many talented players in contention, the final decision will come down to their performances in the key moments of the season.

The remaining fixtures in major competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and domestic leagues will play a crucial role in determining who ultimately takes home the prestigious individual honor.

As the 2025 Ballon d’Or race continues to unfold, it’s clear that the battle is far from decided. Players like Salah, Vinicius Junior, Kane, and Raphinha all have their sights set on the title, and with a few months remaining in the season, there’s plenty of time for any of them to make a decisive impact and secure the coveted award.

Whether it’s Salah’s consistency, Raphinha’s explosive form, or the rise of other challengers, fans around the world will be eagerly following the race until the very end.