With just over a month until the announcement of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, the football world is buzzing with reports that Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior has been informed he will be crowned the new holder of the prestigious award on October 28. After leading Real Madrid to their 15th Champions League triumph and starring in the 2023/2024 season, the Brazilian winger seems destined to take over from Lionel Messi as the next Ballon d'Or winner. 
While the 2024 Ballon d'Or may have already been decided, attention has quickly shifted to potential contenders for the 2025 edition. As the 2024/2025 season begins to take shape, players across Europe are already making their cases for next year’s award. According to a report by Briefly News, here’s a look at the early frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, based on their performances in the opening stages of the season:
5. Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona/Poland
At 35 years old, Robert Lewandowski continues to defy age, proving to be a critical asset for Barcelona. Reunited with former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, Lewandowski has hit the ground running, contributing to eight goal involvements in La Liga already. His leadership and experience in a youthful Barcelona side have been invaluable, helping the Catalan giants make a strong start to the season.
Barcelona's Champions League campaign had a rocky start, but if Lewandowski can guide his side to European success, he may finally claim the Ballon d’Or he narrowly missed out on in 2020. His form and hunger for trophies make him a serious contender for the 2025 edition.
4. Erling Haaland, Manchester City/Norway
Manchester City's goal machine, Erling Haaland, remains one of the most lethal strikers in world football. After finishing runner-up for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, Haaland is already in double figures for the current Premier League season as City chase their fifth consecutive title under Pep Guardiola.
However, the Norwegian’s campaign might face turbulence following an injury to teammate Rodri, who has been pivotal to City's success in recent seasons. Haaland’s ability to maintain his form and propel Manchester City to further silverware—particularly in the Champions League—will be crucial to his chances of staking a claim for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
3. Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid/France
Kylian Mbappé has long been on the cusp of winning a Ballon d’Or, but his stints at Paris Saint-Germain always seemed to fall short of delivering the global success needed for the accolade. Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé is positioned to compete for silverware at the highest level and showcase his immense talents on the grandest stages.
Though his start to the season was slow, Mbappé has since picked up form, netting four goals in La Liga. With his eyes set on leading Real Madrid to yet another European triumph, Mbappé is determined to finally clinch the Ballon d'Or and cement his place as one of the greatest players of his generation.
2. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona/Spain
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already being touted as one of the most exciting prospects in football. The Spanish winger has dazzled audiences with his flair, vision, and technical ability, becoming a key figure in Barcelona's early-season success. With three goals and five assists in La Liga, Yamal is showing maturity beyond his years.
He is widely expected to win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player this year, but Yamal could be in contention for the Ballon d'Or if he continues his meteoric rise. Should he lead Barcelona to major titles, he might become the youngest player to ever win the Ballon d'Or.
1. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich/England
Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has rejuvenated his career, and he has wasted no time making an impact in Germany. The England captain has already racked up nine goal involvements in the Bundesliga and added a four-goal haul in the Champions League.
Kane's status as an accomplished number nine, combined with Bayern Munich's powerful squad, puts him in prime position to compete for the Ballon d'Or. Should he lead Bayern to European glory, Kane may well lift his first major individual trophy in 2025.
While the 2024 Ballon d'Or may have already been decided, attention has quickly shifted to potential contenders for the 2025 edition. As the 2024/2025 season begins to take shape, players across Europe are already making their cases for next year’s award. According to a report by Briefly News, here’s a look at the early frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, based on their performances in the opening stages of the season:
5. Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona/Poland
At 35 years old, Robert Lewandowski continues to defy age, proving to be a critical asset for Barcelona. Reunited with former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, Lewandowski has hit the ground running, contributing to eight goal involvements in La Liga already. His leadership and experience in a youthful Barcelona side have been invaluable, helping the Catalan giants make a strong start to the season.
Barcelona's Champions League campaign had a rocky start, but if Lewandowski can guide his side to European success, he may finally claim the Ballon d’Or he narrowly missed out on in 2020. His form and hunger for trophies make him a serious contender for the 2025 edition.
4. Erling Haaland, Manchester City/Norway
Manchester City's goal machine, Erling Haaland, remains one of the most lethal strikers in world football. After finishing runner-up for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, Haaland is already in double figures for the current Premier League season as City chase their fifth consecutive title under Pep Guardiola.
However, the Norwegian’s campaign might face turbulence following an injury to teammate Rodri, who has been pivotal to City's success in recent seasons. Haaland’s ability to maintain his form and propel Manchester City to further silverware—particularly in the Champions League—will be crucial to his chances of staking a claim for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
3. Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid/France
Kylian Mbappé has long been on the cusp of winning a Ballon d’Or, but his stints at Paris Saint-Germain always seemed to fall short of delivering the global success needed for the accolade. Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé is positioned to compete for silverware at the highest level and showcase his immense talents on the grandest stages.
Though his start to the season was slow, Mbappé has since picked up form, netting four goals in La Liga. With his eyes set on leading Real Madrid to yet another European triumph, Mbappé is determined to finally clinch the Ballon d'Or and cement his place as one of the greatest players of his generation.
2. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona/Spain
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already being touted as one of the most exciting prospects in football. The Spanish winger has dazzled audiences with his flair, vision, and technical ability, becoming a key figure in Barcelona's early-season success. With three goals and five assists in La Liga, Yamal is showing maturity beyond his years.
He is widely expected to win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player this year, but Yamal could be in contention for the Ballon d'Or if he continues his meteoric rise. Should he lead Barcelona to major titles, he might become the youngest player to ever win the Ballon d'Or.
1. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich/England
Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has rejuvenated his career, and he has wasted no time making an impact in Germany. The England captain has already racked up nine goal involvements in the Bundesliga and added a four-goal haul in the Champions League.
Kane's status as an accomplished number nine, combined with Bayern Munich's powerful squad, puts him in prime position to compete for the Ballon d'Or. Should he lead Bayern to European glory, Kane may well lift his first major individual trophy in 2025.
