Cafu's 2025 Ballon D'Or Picks: A Surprise Omission And Two Top Contenders

James

3 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Cafu's 2025 Ballon d'Or Picks: A Surprise Omission and Two Top Contenders

Brazilian football legend Cafu, a two-time FIFA World Cup winner, has offered his early predictions for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, sparking debate amongst football fans worldwide. His choices reveal a surprising omission and highlight two players currently considered frontrunners for the prestigious award. The football world is buzzing with speculation, eager to see if Cafu's predictions will hold true.

Cafu's selections, made during a recent interview with ESPN Brasil, are bold and unexpected. While many pundits are focusing on the usual suspects, Cafu has thrown a few curveballs into the mix, causing quite a stir online and in football forums.

The Contenders: A Tale of Two Talents

Cafu's two top contenders for the 2025 Ballon d'Or are:

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian striker's prolific goal-scoring abilities are undeniable. His impact at Manchester City has been nothing short of phenomenal, shattering numerous records. Cafu cited Haaland's "unmatched clinical finishing" and "instinct for goal" as key reasons for his prediction. Haaland's consistent performance in both the Premier League and Champions League makes him a strong contender, although maintaining this level of form over the next two years will be crucial.

• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): The French superstar continues to captivate the world with his electrifying pace, skill, and goalscoring prowess. Cafu highlighted Mbappé's "game-changing ability" and "unwavering consistency" as reasons for his inclusion. Mbappé's performances for both club and country solidify his position as a serious Ballon d'Or contender. However, continued success with Paris Saint-Germain and a strong World Cup performance in 2026 will be vital for his chances.

The Notable Omission: A Shock to the System

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Cafu's predictions is the noticeable absence of Lionel Messi from his top contenders. While Messi continues to perform at a high level for Inter Miami CF, his move to MLS might have impacted Cafu's assessment. Many fans and analysts believe that Messi's legacy in the sport already secures his place as one of the greats, however, his impact in a different league might have reduced his chances in Cafu's eyes. This omission has ignited a fiery debate on social media, with fans passionately defending Messi's continued Ballon d'Or potential.

This unexpected omission highlights the unpredictable nature of football and the ever-shifting landscape of the Ballon d'Or race. The next two years will be critical for all contenders, and unexpected twists and turns are certainly expected.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2025

The path to the 2025 Ballon d'Or is far from clear. While Haaland and Mbappé are strong contenders based on Cafu's predictions, injuries, form slumps, and unexpected team performances could drastically alter the race. We can expect intense competition, with other rising stars potentially emerging as serious threats. The next few years promise to be thrilling for football fans around the globe, as we anticipate the thrilling conclusion to this prestigious award.

What are your predictions for the 2025 Ballon d'Or? Share your thoughts in the comments below!