This summer marks a potentially significant milestone for the world of football as this year’s FIFA Club World Cup could serve as a pivotal platform for several elite players vying for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or. With the tournament set to kick off on the upcoming Sunday, fans and analysts alike are keenly anticipating the showdown that involves some of the globe’s most renowned football clubs.
As the competition unfolds, the prestigious race for the Ballon d’Or remains wide open, especially following an unpredictable and thrilling 2024/25 season. The winner of the coveted award will be announced in September, and how players perform in the FIFA Club World Cup could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. With these stakes in mind, let’s delve into some standout contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or who will be showcasing their talents during the tournament.
### Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Ousmane Dembele has been in scintillating form, emerging as a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary campaign with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His transformative role as a false nine proved pivotal in guiding PSG to their first UEFA Champions League title. Over the course of the season, Dembele netted an impressive 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 appearances. If he can maintain this momentum at the FIFA Club World Cup, he may well capture his first Ballon d’Or.
### Vitinha (PSG)
While Dembele has dazzled in attack, Vitinha has been the heartbeat of PSG’s midfield. His contribution was indispensable to both Ligue 1 and Champions League successes, and he shone on the international stage as well. The Portuguese midfielder played a crucial role in leading his national team to victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final earlier this month. Exceptional performances in the FIFA Club World Cup could be the catalyst for Vitinha to thrust himself into serious Ballon d’Or contention.
### Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Achraf Hakimi has showcased his versatility and dynamism on the pitch this season, serving as a formidable force both defensively and offensively for PSG. He even registered the opening goal in the Champions League final, thereby enhancing his claims as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. His ability to influence matches from various positions makes him a significant player to watch in the upcoming tournament.
### Desire Doue (PSG)
Desire Doue, at only 17 years old, possesses the potential to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history if he secures the award this year. He will feature in the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, and with continued development, further goals and assists could catapult him past more seasoned contenders in the race for the accolade.
### Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Despite experiencing heartbreak as a part of the losing side in the Champions League final, Lautaro Martinez’s performances for Inter Milan warrant recognition. The Serie A powerhouse will also participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, and should Martinez lead his team to victory, it would immensely enhance his chances of earning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
### Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland’s season with Manchester City may not have reached the heights of some of his earlier campaigns, yet he still managed to score an extraordinary 31 goals and provide four assists in 44 matches. Though City’s failure to secure trophies could hinder his Ballon d’Or aspirations, success at the FIFA Club World Cup could revitalize Haaland’s standing in the rankings.
### Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Junior remains one of the most electrifying attacking talents in global football. Real Madrid will look to extend their illustrious Champions League legacy into the FIFA Club World Cup, and if Vinicius excels, he could enhance his prospects of further climbing the Ballon d’Or ladder.
### Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
After transitioning from PSG in pursuit of Champions League glory and the Ballon d’Or, Kylian Mbappe still has the opportunity to showcase his attributes on a global stage at the FIFA Club World Cup. Although he missed out on Europe’s elite competition this time around, charismatic performances could reaffirm his worthiness of football’s highest honors.
### Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Though perhaps not in his prime years, Lionel Messi remains a considerable threat within the footballing arena. With 15 goals and six assists for Inter Miami thus far, a standout showing at the FIFA Club World Cup could facilitate a return to the upper echelon of the Ballon d’Or rankings.
In conclusion, the FIFA Club World Cup is slated to play a definitive role in the trajectory of several top players as they contend for the illustrious 2025 Ballon d’Or. As the tournament approaches, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching the performances of these athletes as they seek to cement their leg