Ballon D'Or 2025: Cafu's Top Two Contenders, 17-Year-Old Yamal Excluded

James

3 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.9

Share

Ballon d'Or 2025: Cafu Predicts a Two-Horse Race, Snubbing 17-Year-Old Sensation

The football world is abuzz with speculation surrounding the 2025 Ballon d'Or, and legendary Brazilian defender Cafu has thrown his hat into the prediction ring. While many pundits are already touting the potential of young stars like 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, Cafu sees a different picture emerging, predicting a thrilling showdown between two established titans of the game. His bold exclusion of Yamal, despite the teenager’s meteoric rise, has sparked heated debate amongst football fans and analysts alike.

Cafu's Top Picks: A Clash of Titans

Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner and a Ballon d'Or nominee himself, has identified two players he believes will dominate the 2025 award race:

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian striker’s prolific goal-scoring record speaks for itself. Haaland's relentless pursuit of the net and consistent dominance in the Premier League and Champions League make him a strong contender. His ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations is crucial in Ballon d'Or contention, a fact not lost on Cafu. If Haaland maintains his current trajectory, securing another Champions League title and a significant goal tally, he will be a serious threat.

• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Mbappé's electrifying pace, unparalleled skill, and match-winning ability place him firmly in the conversation. A World Cup winner and consistent performer for club and country, Mbappé possesses the star power and on-field brilliance to capture the coveted award. However, his consistent success will be key; a standout performance in the Champions League could solidify his position as a top contender.

The Yamal Exclusion: A Controversial Call

The most controversial aspect of Cafu’s prediction is his exclusion of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old has become a sensation, making history as the youngest player to ever represent Spain's national team. His performances for Barcelona have been equally impressive, showing maturity and talent beyond his years. However, Cafu believes that while Yamal's potential is undeniable, the Ballon d'Or is typically awarded to players who have consistently performed at the highest level for an extended period. He suggests that Yamal needs more time to establish his dominance on the global stage before entering the Ballon d'Or conversation. This viewpoint has prompted significant discussion about the criteria for the award and the balance between potential and proven performance.

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Season of Uncertainty

The road to the 2025 Ballon d'Or is still long, and much can change between now and then. Injuries, team performance, and individual form will all play a significant role. While Cafu's prediction is a bold one, it highlights the fierce competition expected in the upcoming season. Other players, like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr., could also emerge as strong contenders, making the race for the Ballon d'Or 2025 one of the most exciting yet.

Will Cafu's prediction hold true? Only time will tell. The coming season promises thrilling football, and the race for the Ballon d'Or 2025 is sure to be a captivating spectacle. Stay tuned!

(Keywords: Ballon d'Or 2025, Cafu, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, football, soccer, prediction, awards, Champions League, World Cup, Barcelona, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain)