Ballon d'Or 2025: Have Barcelona Players Lost Their Status as Favorites?

 Ballon d'Or 2025: Have Barcelona Players Lost Their Status as Favorites?

The Ballon d'Or—recognized as the most esteemed individual accolade in football—represents the pinnacle aspiration for every football player. Athletes who excel on the field during the season strive for a singular honor: the golden ball that designates them as the finest in the world.

Are Barcelona's Women No Longer in Control?

In the realm of women's football, players from FC Barcelona have maintained a significant dominance in the Ballon d'Or competition. The Spanish midfield pair, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, have been the leading figures for the past four years. Putellas secured the award in both 2021 and 2022, while Bonmatí claimed it in 2023 and 2024. However, the upcoming 2025 edition of the award could witness a substantial change.

Champions League Result Alters the Rankings

Barcelona was anticipated to maintain their supremacy this season as well, but the result of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final has altered expectations. Arsenal triumphed over Barcelona to claim the prestigious European trophy, and this outcome has had a considerable effect on the Ballon d’Or power rankings.

Who is the New Favorite?

As per Goal.com’s most recent ranking, Barcelona’s stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí continue to lead the competition. Nevertheless, their position as clear frontrunners is now in doubt. Gaining momentum is Mariona Caldentey, the Spanish forward who spearheaded Arsenal’s efforts this season with 21 goals and 15 assists. Her outstanding performance has positioned her as one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Top 5 Candidates for the Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025

 Goal.com’s revised shortlist features:

1, Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

2, Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)

3, Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

4, Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)

5, Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Interestingly, four out of five leading contenders continue to originate from Barcelona and Arsenal, highlighting the prowess of these two teams. Even with her transfer to Arsenal, Caldentey’s victory would nonetheless ensure that the golden ball remains in Spanish possession.

Upcoming Tournaments Will Be Essential

The final Ballon d’Or recipient will be revealed on September 22, 2025, with the official shortlist made public in August. Performances from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, will be taken into account. This indicates that forthcoming tournaments—particularly the Women’s Euro Championship—will be vital in influencing the selection of the winner.

What Lies Ahead

Barcelona still possesses an opportunity to secure the domestic treble; however, their absence of continental trophies may diminish their players’ prospects. In the meantime, Arsenal’s revival and athletes like Caldentey are striving vigorously to challenge the recent supremacy of the Spanish giants.

Thus, will Barcelona’s illustrious run conclude in 2025? Or will one of their stars shine once more? The concluding months of the season—and the significant tournaments on the horizon—will ultimately determine the outcome.

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