The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or has taken an unexpected twist. While names like Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid’s star performers were seen as early contenders, recent performances — or lack thereof — have shifted the narrative dramatically.
A new frontrunner is rising from the shadows, catching the football world off guard and reshaping the conversation about who deserves to be crowned the best player in the world this year.
Real Madrid Stars Fade at Crucial Moment
The Champions League has always been a decisive factor in the Ballon d’Or race, and for Real Madrid, it was supposed to be the stage to dominate once again. However, their recent performance — or better said, their lack of it — has left a sour taste.
Los Blancos failed to impress in their quarter-final first leg, struggling to assert dominance and missing that spark that usually sets them apart in Europe. Players like Jude Bellingham, who started the season in electrifying form, have seen their momentum dip at the worst possible time.
This underwhelming show has significantly dented the Ballon d’Or hopes of Madrid’s top talents.
Mo Salah’s Form Drops Amid Liverpool Woes
Mohamed Salah entered the 2024–25 season with the wind at his back. He was in sensational form early on, leading Liverpool’s attack with his signature flair and goal-scoring consistency.
But as the campaign has progressed, Salah’s influence has waned. Injuries, fatigue, and Liverpool’s inconsistent form — particularly in key matches — have diminished his claim to the top prize.
The Egyptian forward still boasts impressive stats, but individual brilliance alone may not be enough when trophies and team impact are also heavily considered by voters.
The New Favourite: Raphinha Making Headlines
With the spotlight fading on traditional contenders, a new name is rising — Raphinha of FC Barcelona
At just 21 years old, Wirtz is enjoying a breakout season that has put him front and center in the global football conversation. Under manager Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen is unbeaten across all competitions and are on the verge of a historic Bundesliga title.
Wirtz has been the heartbeat of this side — scoring crucial goals, assisting with incredible vision, and showing maturity beyond his years. His form in the Europa League and domestic cup has also been exceptional, turning heads across Europe.
Why Wirtz Has Become the Front-Runner
Ballon d’Or winners are typically judged not only on stats but also narrative — and Wirtz has the perfect one.
- Leading an underdog team: Taking Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga ahead of Bayern Munich is no small feat.
- Consistency: Wirtz has maintained a high level of performance across domestic and European competitions.
- Big moments: He’s stepped up in key matches, delivering when it matters most.
- Individual brilliance + team success: His season ticks both boxes, which voters often value the most.
Add to that the fact that other big-name stars are faltering, and it’s easy to see why Wirtz is rapidly climbing the Ballon d’Or ladder.
Others Still in the Mix
While Wirtz has emerged as the surprise favourite, the race isn’t over. Several other players are still in contention, depending on how the season ends.
- Kylian Mbappé could still stake his claim if Real Madrid progresses deep in the Champions League.
- Harry Kane, despite Bayern’s struggles, is having a goal-laden season and could make a late push.
- Erling Haaland remains a threat, especially if Manchester City goes far in Europe and retains the Premier League title.
However, none of these names have delivered the kind of standout, narrative-driven season that Raphinha currently boasts.
What It Means for the Ballon d’Or Race
If Florian Wirtz helps Bayer Leverkusen finish the season unbeaten and wins a domestic double or even treble, it will be hard for voters to ignore his impact.
In a season where traditional powers like Real Madrid have stumbled and stars like Salah have faded, voters may be drawn to a fresh story — a young, talented player leading an unlikely team to glory.
Should Leverkusen cap off their fairytale run with European success, Wirtz could be lifting more than just trophies this year — he might be lifting the Ballon d’Or too.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or race is always filled with twists and surprises, and 2025 is no different. While early favourites stumble, Raphinha is rising fast with performances that speak louder than hype.
With a few months still to go and major trophies on the line, the story isn’t over yet — but if he continues at this level, the football world may soon be celebrating a new, unexpected king of football.
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