The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, and it’s shaping up to be a fascinating battle among football’s brightest stars. According to reports from Goal, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is leading the charge, with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe now climbing into second place.

For the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo featured in last year’s rankings, marking the official end of an era. In their absence, Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri clinched the award ahead of Vinícius Jr.

Salah’s Spectacular Form – A Well-Deserved Lead?

Mohamed Salah has been nothing short of sensational this season, proving once again why he remains one of the most decisive players in world football. With 30 goals and 22 assists, the Egyptian King is spearheading Liverpool’s charge towards another Premier League title. The Reds currently sit 13 points clear of Arsenal, making a domestic triumph seem inevitable.

But Salah’s influence extends beyond England. Liverpool are strong contenders for the Champions League, and if they go all the way, it would be hard to argue against him lifting football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Mbappe’s Madrid Magic – A Rising Threat?

On the other side of the Ballon d’Or battle, Kylian Mbappe has finally hit his stride in Spain. After a sluggish start at Real Madrid, the French forward has exploded into form, netting 28 goals already. He is well on his way to breaking Iván Zamorano’s long-standing record for most goals in a debut season at the club.

Mbappe’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or largely depend on Madrid’s success in the Champions League and La Liga. Should Los Blancos claim a European crown, Mbappe might just have a compelling case to dethrone Salah in the rankings.

Who Else is in the Top 5?

Beyond the Salah-Mbappe duel, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his teammate Raphinha have forced their way into the conversation with standout performances. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane continues to be a goal machine in Germany, keeping his Ballon d’Or hopes alive.

Final Thoughts – A New Era Begins

With Messi and Ronaldo no longer in the picture, the Ballon d’Or battle feels fresher and more unpredictable. Salah’s consistency, Mbappe’s brilliance, and the rise of young talents like Yamal make this year’s competition one of the most exciting in years.

Will Salah finally get his hands on the golden ball, or will Mbappe’s Madrid magic steal the spotlight? The football world watches in anticipation.

What’s your take? Does Salah deserve it, or will someone else claim the crown? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⚽🔥