The 2025 Golden Ball is the most unpredictable in the past 30 years

This year's Ballon d'Or race is expected to be the most unpredictable in the past three decades, with no candidate excelling or appearing to dominate as before.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or race is difficult to predict.

Since 2008, the Ballon d'Or race has largely revolved around superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Even in the rare years when Messi and Ronaldo do not dominate, the outcome of the award is often predictable or a battle between two or three stars.

Rodri's win last year was somewhat of a surprise, but he was only really competing with Vinicius Jr. Luka Modric won overwhelmingly in 2018, while in 2007, Kaka almost got more points than Ronaldo in second place.

It wasn't until 2006, when Fabio Cannavaro became the last defender to win the Ballon d'Or, that things got a little more dramatic. The former Italy international beat Gianluigi Buffon, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane and Samuel Eto'o to create an exciting and unpredictable race.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or race is repeating what happened in 2006. When France Football prepares to announce the list of 30 nominees in the coming time, there are up to 6 candidates who are truly capable of competing for this noble award.

They are Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid. This list of candidates requires careful consideration by the jury before voting.

None of the six players listed above meet all three criteria set out by France Football to easily move up in the race. Instead, they have different strengths and weaknesses for the 2024/25 season.

PSG's 0-3 defeat to Chelsea in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final has shaken Ousmane Dembele's position in the 2025 Ballon d'Or race. Even Cole Palmer, with a brace in the Club World Cup final and 37 goal contributions in Chelsea's entire 2024/25 season, could be a surprise name in the 2025 Ballon d'Or race.

Source: https://znews.vn/qua-bong-vang-2025-kho-doan-nhat-30-nam-qua-post1574849.html