The list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award has on Thursday been unveiled.
And leading players from Spanish football’s two biggest clubs featured front and centre on the shortlist.
After a scintillating campaign in 2024/25, culminating in a domestic treble, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad is represented by a quartet of candidates for the prize.
These come in the form of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha and, of course, Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal, considered one of the favourites for the ‘Golden Ball’.
Turning attentions towards the other side of the Clásico divide, and Real Madrid see a trio of names put forth by France Football.
Despite Los Blancos’ trophy-less season last time out, all of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. are in the running to be named world football’s best player.
Elsewhere, the likes of Scott McTominay, Ousmane Dembélé and Harry Kane have also been nominated, with the full 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist showcased below:
Conor Laird – GSFN
