Rodri, the current Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City midfielder, has recently shared his picks for who might win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award. Announced annually in Paris, the Ballon d’Or celebrates the best male footballer of the year based on outstanding achievements and talent shown on the field. Rodri’s insights highlight four key contenders, including Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) experienced winger Ousmane Dembele.

After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Rodri has had to overcome injury challenges but remains influential in football discussions. When asked about the upcoming winner, he mentioned that it was a tough choice given PSG’s incredible season. He said PSG had been "the team of the season," making it hard not to select one of their players for the award. Among the PSG players he mentioned, Dembele and midfielder Vitinha stood out as strong candidates. At the same time, Rodri expressed admiration for his Spanish teammates Lamine Yamal and Pedri, hoping one of them might claim the prize because of their connection but also acknowledged that merit might favor the PSG stars more.

Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old, has rapidly risen through the ranks at Barcelona. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 18 goals in 55 matches across competitions, showing great promise for the future.

Dembele, on the other hand, scored an impressive 34 goals in 51 games for PSG, proving his experience and ability to perform consistently at the highest level. Both players have caught the attention of football fans worldwide and the media for their performances and potential.

Rodri also took a moment to encourage Lamine Yamal, highlighting the importance of young talent putting their abilities to good use for the team. He reminded young players like Yamal to stay focused and work hard to reach their full potential, noting that many exceptional talents fail to achieve greatness if they lose their way. This perspective is important because the Ballon d’Or not only reflects individual brilliance but also requires dedication, teamwork, and consistency throughout the season.

The upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for September 22, 2025, will reveal whether the prize goes to the veteran PSG star Dembele, the young Barcelona prodigy Yamal, or another strong contender. The list of nominees includes some of the world’s best players, such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior, ensuring the competition remains fierce. Still, the debate often centers around who had the most impact during the season, both in club and international competitions.

Rodri’s picks highlight the blend of youth and experience shaping modern football. Younger players like Yamal bring energy and fresh talent, representing football’s future, while seasoned stars like Dembele provide the skill and reliability that top teams count on. This balance keeps fans excited and the sport evolving.

In conclusion, while Rodri’s favorite picks for the Ballon d’Or 2025 include Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, he wisely points out the complexity of awarding such an honor. His comments reflect a respect for sporting merit combined with personal admiration for teammates. The final decision will depend on performance across several competitions and the voters’ perspectives, but the excitement around these candidates showcases football’s continuing story of talent and achievement.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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