Here is the main candidate for the Golden Ball. It is not Kylian Mbappe. And Robert Lewandowski high!
Last year's "France Football" gala took place in an extremely tense atmosphere. When it seemed that Vinicius Junior was the sure-fire favorite to win the Ballon d'Or, information leaked to the media in the final stretch that the prestigious award would ultimately go to Rodri. The Spaniard was helped to win by Spain's triumph at Euro 2024.
This year, it is almost certain that the last winner will not defend his trophy (Rodri has been injured since the autumn), but Goal has already outlined the potential podium based on the last four months.
Currently, according to Goal, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has the best chance of winning. The Egyptian has been in phenomenal form this season and, mainly thanks to his play, Liverpool are the sure-fire favourites to win the English championship (11 points ahead of second-place Arsenal). Liverpool's triumph in the Champions League could seal Salah's Ballon d'Or. The Reds will play PSG in the 1/8 finals.
Kylian Mbappe is in second place on the list. The Real Madrid star recently helped his team secure a place in the Champions League last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate win over Manchester City, and an elite competition title – like Salah’s – could take Mbappe closer to the coveted FA Cup.
Quite unexpectedly, the podium is closed by Brazilian Raphinha, who has been a revelation for Barcelona this season. The winger has played 37 games so far, scoring 24 goals and providing 16 assists. What's more, the 28-year-old has proven in almost every game that he has become the world's top player in the 2024/25 season.
Fourth and fifth place in Goal's ranking are also occupied by Blaugrana players. Just off the podium is Laime Yamal, and in fifth place, which will positively surprise Polish fans, is Robert Lewandowski.
"After failing to make the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, it seemed the Pole's long and so far fruitless quest had come to an end. However, after reuniting with his former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona, the 36-year-old has rolled back the years to once again become one of Europe's most formidable No. 9s," Goal begins, assessing Lewandowski's final months.
“Age may yet catch up with the veteran in the coming months and there are undeniably more exciting players to watch in his own team, let alone Barca’s rivals, but Lewandowski has positioned himself to return to the Ballon d’Or.
Lewandowski has played in 35 matches this season, scoring 32 goals and providing three assists.
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