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The Race is On: Early Contenders Emerge for the 2025 Ballon d'Or

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 9:07 GMT by Yen.com.gh
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The dust has barely settled on Lionel Messi’s final Ballon d'Or triumph, but the footballing world is already casting its eye towards the future – specifically, the 2025 edition. While it’s still early days and form can fluctuate dramatically, a fascinating picture of potential contenders is beginning to emerge, with young talents shaking up the established order. This year’s award promises to be particularly intriguing, fueled by the rise of exciting prospects like Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, alongside the continued brilliance of seasoned professionals.

The current landscape sees several players vying for early positioning, each possessing unique qualities that could sway voters. The article on Yen.com.gh highlights a group of individuals who are currently generating significant buzz and demonstrating the potential to challenge for football’s most prestigious individual prize. Let's delve into the key contenders and analyze their chances.

Ousmane Dembélé: Redemption and Rebirth?

After a turbulent few years marked by injuries and inconsistent performances at Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé has seemingly found his footing at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His move to the French capital was initially met with skepticism, but he’s begun to repay the club's faith. The article emphasizes his crucial role in PSG’s attack, showcasing his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and increasingly refined decision-making. He’s not just a flashy winger anymore; he’s becoming a more complete player, contributing significantly with assists and goals.

However, Dembélé's path to the Ballon d'Or isn’t without obstacles. His history of injuries remains a concern, and consistent performance over an entire season – especially in crucial Champions League matches – will be vital for him to truly enter the conversation as a serious contender. He needs to demonstrate that his resurgence is not just a fleeting moment but a sustained period of excellence.

Lamine Yamal: The Teenage Sensation

Perhaps the most captivating storyline surrounding the 2025 Ballon d'Or is the emergence of Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, Yamal has burst onto the scene at Barcelona, dazzling fans with his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years. His ability to beat defenders, create chances, and contribute goals has already made him a key player for both club and country (Spain).

Yamal’s potential is undeniable, and he possesses all the attributes of a future superstar. However, age remains a significant factor. While previous Ballon d'Or winners have been relatively young (Kylian Mbappé was 19 when he finished second in 2019), consistently performing at the highest level over an entire season as a teenager is incredibly challenging. He needs to continue his development, refine his tactical understanding, and avoid the pitfalls that can derail young careers. The pressure of expectation will also be immense.

Beyond Dembélé and Yamal: A Wider Field of Contenders

While Dembélé and Yamal are currently generating the most excitement, several other players could realistically enter the Ballon d'Or conversation by 2025. These include:

• Kylian Mbappé: Despite already having been a finalist, Mbappé remains a perennial contender. His continued brilliance for PSG (and potentially a new club if he moves) will keep him firmly in the mix.
• Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian winger has established himself as a vital player for Real Madrid and continues to improve his goal-scoring record.
• Jude Bellingham: Bellingham's explosive arrival at Real Madrid has been nothing short of sensational. His all-around game, combined with crucial goals in big matches, makes him a rising star who could challenge for the award.
• Erling Haaland: While his goalscoring record is phenomenal, Haaland’s overall contribution to Manchester City might need to expand further to truly contend for the Ballon d'Or.

The Importance of Team Success and Champions League Performance

As always, team success will play a crucial role in determining the ultimate winner. Winning major trophies – particularly the Champions League – significantly boosts a player’s chances. Individual brilliance alone is rarely enough; players need to be instrumental in their teams’ triumphs. The article correctly points out that consistent performance on the international stage with Spain will also be vital for both Dembélé and Yamal, especially given the nation's ambitions at future tournaments like Euro 2026 and the 2026 World Cup.

Conclusion: A Race Full of Promise

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be a captivating one. The emergence of young talents like Lamine Yamal, coupled with the resurgence of players like Ousmane Dembélé, promises an exciting and unpredictable competition. While it's still early days, these are the names that are currently generating the most buzz and demonstrating the potential to challenge for football’s ultimate individual prize. The next two years will be crucial in determining who ultimately emerges victorious – a period of intense scrutiny, relentless pressure, and unwavering ambition as these players strive for Ballon d'Or glory.