PSG striker Ousmane Dembele is the clear favorite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, though not everyone believes he deserves it.
Not surprisingly, most players and pundits are rooting for the Frenchman to win the award tonight after leading PSG to a historic quadruple.
Dembele does, however, have a number of deserving competitions, like Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal, who are all tough rivals.
These seven influential people believe that someone else should win the 2025 Ballon d’Or instead of Dembele.
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Cafu
The Brazilian is backing Raphinha to win the Ballon d’Or this evening and thinks that Salah is his closest competitor.
“I don’t see many players today who can compete with Raphinha,” Cafu said back in May.
Hossam Hassan
You won’t be surprised to learn that the Egypt manager is backing Salah to win the award.
“Considering the difficulties he has faced throughout his career, he deserves it,” Hassan said on Salah winning the Ballon d’Or.
Casemiro
Also favouring Salah in the Ballon d’Or debate is Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.
“In my opinion, in this moment for me, Salah,” Casemiro told British GQ.
Lautaro Martinez
Martinez himself has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or and recently named Salah as one of his favourite players, giving the Egyptian his seal of approval.
“Lots of players have had great seasons and won titles,” Martinez said when discussing the award.
“I really like Mohamed Salah. He had a great season and won the Premier League. He’s a top player.”
Roberto Martinez
The Portugal boss thinks that Dembele’s teammate, Vitinha, deserves to take home the award.
“Vitinha is a player who has been essential for PSG to win everything they have won,” Martinez said earlier in the year.
“He deserves to be awarded the Ballon d’Or.”
Gavi
Unsurprisingly, Gavi is backing his Barcelona teammate, Yamal, to win the award ahead of Dembele.
“I hope he does [win the Ballon d’Or],” Gavi said.
Rodri
The current Ballon d’Or holder is hoping that one of his international teammates take home the award.
“I’ll be watching it on TV this year, but hopefully a teammate will win it, Lamine, Pedri, whoever,” Rodri said.
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