Cafu Predicts Ballon D'Or 2025: Snubs Yamal, Favors Two Stars

James

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Post on May 12, 2025

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Cafu Predicts Ballon d'Or 2025: Snubs Yamal, Favors Two Stars

Brazilian legend Cafu has thrown his weight behind two specific players for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, surprisingly leaving out the sensational young talent, Lamine Yamal. The football world is abuzz with speculation surrounding the prestigious award, and Cafu's bold prediction is sure to spark debate among fans and pundits alike. While Yamal’s meteoric rise with FC Barcelona has captivated audiences, the former World Cup winner sees other stars taking center stage in the coming years.

Who Did Cafu Choose? A Bold Prediction

In a recent interview, Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner and widely regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all time, revealed his picks for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. He notably omitted the highly touted 16-year-old Yamal, opting instead for two established players:

• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Cafu cited Mbappé's blistering pace, clinical finishing, and consistent high-level performance as key reasons for his selection. He highlighted Mbappé's crucial role in major tournaments and his overall impact on the game. "Mbappé is a phenomenal talent," Cafu stated. "His ability to decide matches single-handedly is unmatched." The Frenchman's continued dominance in Ligue 1 and potential Champions League glory will be crucial to solidifying his claim.

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland's record-breaking goal-scoring feats have made him a frontrunner for many Ballon d'Or predictions. Cafu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Haaland's unparalleled goal-scoring prowess and influence on Manchester City's success. "Haaland is a goal-scoring machine," Cafu explained. "His impact on a team's ability to win trophies is undeniable." Haaland's continued success in the Premier League and Champions League will be vital in his Ballon d'Or aspirations.

The Yamal Question: A Rising Star Overlooked?

The exclusion of Lamine Yamal from Cafu's prediction is undoubtedly the most surprising aspect. Yamal's precocious talent has already garnered significant attention, with many predicting a bright future for the young Spaniard. His performances for Barcelona have been nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing exceptional technical ability, vision, and maturity beyond his years. However, Cafu's prediction suggests that he believes consistent performance over a longer period is necessary to secure the coveted award. This highlights the demanding criteria for winning the Ballon d'Or and the intense competition among the world's elite players.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Ballon d'Or Race Heats Up

The road to the 2025 Ballon d'Or is still long, and many other players could emerge as strong contenders. The next few seasons will be crucial in shaping the race, with injuries, form, and team success playing a significant role. However, Cafu's prediction sets the stage for an exciting competition between Mbappé and Haaland, two players who have already proven themselves at the highest level. While Yamal's exclusion is unexpected, it underscores the immense pressure and challenges faced by even the most prodigious young talents in the quest for football's ultimate individual honor. Will Cafu's prediction prove accurate? Only time will tell.

Keywords: Ballon d'Or 2025, Cafu, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Football, Soccer, Predictions, Awards, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, FC Barcelona.