Cristiano Ronaldo snubs top guns Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha to declare 4 Ballon d'Or 2025 contenders

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has revealed his picks for the 2025 edition of football’s most prestigious individual award. Despite naming several standout talents, the Portuguese legend believes only one may have a realistic shot at claiming the crown this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or legacy and shift in era

Having won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, Ronaldo is no stranger to the elite accolade. His intense rivalry with Lionel Messi defined more than a decade of Ballon d’Or history.

That dominance was only interrupted by Luka Modric in 2018 and Karim Benzema in 2022. In 2024, Manchester City’s Rodri took home the award, breaking the long-standing trend.

The new names on Cristiano Ronaldo’s radar

During a YouTube interview alongside former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo shared his insights on who he believes could take home the trophy in 2025.

I think Kylian Mbappe will do well, Ronaldo stated. The structure of the club Real Madrid… it’s nice, it’s good. They have a great coach and the president, Florentino Perez, who has been there many, many years.

Ronaldo continued, Mbappe can be the next Golden Ball [Ballon d’Or] winner for the next years. Him, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal. This new generation has a lot of potential.

Praising Real Madrid’s mentality, he added:

Madrid is the kind of team they don’t rush under pressure… People say they’re lucky in the Champions League. No, they are not lucky. They’re prepared for this kind of moment. The Bernabeu has that different aura.

Who can truly win in 2025?

Despite Ronaldo’s confidence in several stars, current circumstances cast doubt on most of their chances. Erling Haaland, 24, has been sidelined with injury since March and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Real Madrid’s Champions League exit also weakens the case for Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Among those mentioned, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal stands out as a surprise contender. His exceptional form and rapid rise suggest he may be the only realistic candidate to challenge for the Ballon d’Or this year.