Ballon d’Or Race Opens Up Following Injuries and Controversies

PARIS, France — The race for the prestigious Ballon d'Or has intensified as injuries and controversies shift the spotlight among football’s elite competitors. The award, given by France Football, honors the best player in global football each year, and the 2025 contest is now wide open following Rodri‘s ACL tear.

Rodri’s win in 2024 was controversial, leading to an unpredictable 2025 season. Players like Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. were predicted to shine again. Performance in top European leagues plays a significant role in determining award winners, and each candidate’s claims are evolving.

Michael Olise of Bayern Munich has become a standout player this season, contributing significantly with big goals and leading the Bundesliga in assists. With 12 goals and 21 assists across competitions, Olise’s consistent performance keeps him in the conversation for football’s highest honor.

On the other hand, Jude Bellingham has moved to a midfield role with the addition of Mbappe, boosting his passing metrics but seeing a dip in goal production. His 13 goals and 14 assists highlight his abilities, yet a trophy-less season is a disappointing factor for his candidacy.

Julian Alvarez has made an impactful debut at Atletico Madrid, netting 22 goals across competitions. Although his season has faced ups and downs, his contributions in high-stakes matches have kept him afloat among the contenders.

Robert Lewandowski‘s resurgence has also caught attention. After concerns over his performance last year, he has bounced back, scoring 25 goals in La Liga. However, a hamstring injury may hinder his chances of claiming the Ballon d’Or this year.

Harry Kane‘s performance at Bayern Munich continues to impress, as he has scored 36 goals in all competitions. Nevertheless, early elimination from the Champions League raises questions about his standing in the award race.

Mohamed Salah was once the frontrunner, but his Champions League shortcomings against PSG have diminished his chances. With remarkable stats including 33 goals and 23 assists, his overall performance remains stellar, but the absence of European success weighs heavily on his candidacy.

Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha have emerged as dark horses with standout seasons at PSG and Barcelona, respectively. Dembele’s excellent form in Ligue 1 coupled with Raphinha’s critical contributions in the Champions League make both players significant contenders.

As the season progresses, the Ballon d’Or contenders will be followed closely. The Sporting News continues to update with the latest stats and rankings for the players vying for the coveted title.