The shortlist has been released for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with nine members of Luis Enrique’s Champions League-winning PSG squad nominated.
Ousmane Dembele will battle the likes of Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the honour of being named best player in the world – but who missed out?
With a 30-man shortlist most of the biggest names were covered off but here’s a few who could have made the cut…
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United had a torrid season but their captain consistently showed up. Playing in a deeper midfield role at times under new manager Ruben Amorim, he scored 19 goals in all competitions and was outstanding at times in their run to the Europa League final.
Marquinhos
One PSG player who didn’t get the call, the captain lifted the Champions League trophy high after the 5-0 thrashing of Inter in the final. Never out of position, unflustered on the ball, he’s a class act – but is it too hard for defenders to win the individual awards?
Alexander Isak
Newcastle are in a fight to keep hold of their in-demand striker after a stellar Premier League season. Isak scored 27 times for the Magpies as they qualified for the Champions League and won their first trophy in generations. Will he now jump ship to Liverpool?
Lionel Messi
No stranger to a Ballon d’Or, Messi has got eight of them on his mantelpiece. He missed the nod this year but even at the age of 38 he remains integral to his club and country’s chances. One more World Cup is on the horizon. He couldn’t – could he?
Cristiano Ronaldo
Like Mesis, Ronaldo has won a barrel full of Ballon d’Ors and is still scoring goals a plenty for club and country. He scored 25 league goals for Al-Nassr last season and has signed on for more. Even at the age of 40 he is relentless in front of goal.
Willian Pacho
Barley known last year, barely beaten this year. Pacho slotted in alongside Marquinhos in the PSG defence and instantly looked world class. Serene in the knockout stages of the Champions League, the Ecuador international is a force to be reckoned with.
Federico Valverde
It was not a vintage season for Real Madrid but midfielder Valverde was a constant class act. A driving force in the middle of the park, he also regularly filled in at right-back with distinction and authority. A leader and a wonderful player.
Mateo Retegui
An incredible breakout season for the Italy international – Retegui signed for Atalanta last summer and plundered a massive 25 Serie A goals in 36 games. After impressing on the Champions League stage as well he was snapped up by Saudi side Al-Qadsiaah for a reported fee of 65m Euros.
Julian Alvarez
The fee was scoffed at in some circles when Atletico Madrid paid Manchester City nearly 95m Euros for Alvarez but boy was he missed at the Etihad. Versatile and reliable, the Argentina forward scored and made plenty of goals for Diego Simeone and has the best ahead of him.
Gabriel
Another defender worthy of mention – the Arsenal centre-half is a colossus at both ends of the pitch. Wonderful in the air and calm on the ball he is one of the best in the business.
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2025-08-07 17:35:45
