Cafu Excludes Yamal From Ballon D'Or Contenders: His Top Two Picks For 2025

James

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Cafu Excludes Yamal from Ballon d'Or Contenders: His Top Two Picks for 2025

Football legend Cafu has stirred debate by omitting Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal, from his Ballon d'Or predictions for 2025. The Brazilian icon, a two-time World Cup winner, instead revealed his top two choices for the prestigious award, sparking conversation amongst football fans and analysts alike. Who does the legendary right-back believe will dominate the footballing world in the coming years?

Yamal's meteoric rise at Barcelona has captivated the world. The 16-year-old winger has already showcased exceptional talent, becoming the youngest player ever to represent Spain's national team. His performances have generated significant buzz, with many tipping him for a bright future and potentially a Ballon d'Or nomination in the years to come. However, Cafu's exclusion has certainly raised eyebrows.

Cafu's Bold Predictions: Two Names Dominate

So, who did Cafu choose? In a recent interview, the legendary defender confidently named two players he believes are set to define the 2025 Ballon d'Or race:

• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Cafu highlights Mbappé's consistent brilliance and goal-scoring prowess as key factors in his prediction. The French superstar has already cemented his place amongst football's elite, and Cafu clearly believes his dominance will continue. Mbappé's incredible pace, clinical finishing, and overall impact on the game make him a strong contender, especially if he continues his success with PSG and on the international stage.

• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Cafu's second pick, Vinícius Júnior, has taken the world by storm with his electrifying performances for Real Madrid. His dazzling dribbling skills, explosive pace, and ability to create goals have made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of Real Madrid's success. Cafu clearly sees Vinícius Júnior's potential to further elevate his game and achieve even greater heights in the coming years.

The Yamal Question: A Matter of Time?

While Cafu's omission of Yamal is noteworthy, it's crucial to remember that the young player is still developing his game. At just 16, he has ample time to mature into a true global superstar. His exclusion from Cafu's 2025 predictions doesn't diminish his undeniable talent; it simply reflects the high bar set by the established stars like Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Many believe Yamal's future is exceptionally bright. His technical ability, maturity on the pitch, and composure far exceed his age. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him feature prominently in future Ballon d'Or conversations. Perhaps Cafu's list is simply a snapshot of the present, with future years poised to welcome the next generation of footballing giants.

The Ballon d'Or: A Testament to Excellence

The Ballon d'Or remains one of the most prestigious awards in football, recognizing the best player in the world. Past winners include legendary players like [link to a list of Ballon d'Or winners], highlighting the incredible talent and dedication required to achieve such an accolade. Cafu's predictions offer an intriguing glimpse into the future of the award, fueling speculation and anticipation for the years to come.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Cafu's choices? Let us know in the comments below!