Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has named four players he believes are strong contenders to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Rodri, who won the prestigious award last year ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, shared his thoughts ahead of this year’s ceremony scheduled for later this month.
Speaking on potential successors, the midfield maestro highlighted two of his Spain and Barcelona teammates — Lamine Yamal and Pedri — as strong candidates. He also pointed to Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain as deserving names based on their club performances.
“It’s difficult because I have a preference for my teammates, but I have to say that PSG was the team of the season. It’s hard to think that it won’t be a player from that team,” Rodri said.
“Out of sympathy, obviously, I would like Lamine or Pedri to win, but for sporting merit and for the season itself, it would be Ousmane [Dembélé] or Vitinha.”
Rodri’s remarks come amid speculation over this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, with several top performers vying for the coveted title after an eventful season across Europe.
