Cafu's Ballon D'Or 2025 Contenders: Yamal Left Out Of The Running

James

3 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Cafu's Ballon d'Or 2025 Contenders: Yamal Left Out of the Running

The football world is buzzing with speculation surrounding the upcoming Ballon d'Or 2025, and legendary Brazilian full-back Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner, has weighed in with his early predictions. While many expected a strong showing from young Barcelona sensation, Lamine Yamal, Cafu's list has sparked debate and ignited fervent discussion online. His surprising omission of Yamal highlights the intense competition and the unpredictable nature of the prestigious award.

Cafu's Bold Predictions

Cafu, known for his insightful analysis, has presented a shortlist reflecting both established dominance and emerging talent. His picks, while generating excitement, have also raised eyebrows, particularly the absence of the prodigious Yamal. The former AC Milan and Roma star cited a need for consistent, high-level performance across a full season as a key factor in his selections.

His predicted top three are:

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian goal machine's prolific scoring record speaks for itself. Haaland's consistent dominance in the Premier League and Champions League makes him a strong frontrunner, according to Cafu. His ability to consistently find the back of the net makes him a near-guaranteed Ballon d'Or contender.

2. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Mbappé's electrifying pace and clinical finishing continue to make him a force to be reckoned with. Despite a somewhat underwhelming season with PSG (relatively speaking), his World Cup performances and overall international prowess ensure he remains a top contender. His potential for another incredible season will determine how high he climbs in the rankings.

3. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): The Brazilian winger has cemented his place among the world's elite. His mesmerizing dribbling skills, combined with his clinical finishing, make him a nightmare for defenders. A successful Champions League campaign could propel him to the top of Cafu's list.

The Yamal Question: Why the Snub?

The exclusion of Lamine Yamal is the most surprising aspect of Cafu's predictions. The 16-year-old Barcelona star has shown incredible talent and maturity beyond his years. However, Cafu emphasized the importance of sustained excellence throughout a full season, suggesting that Yamal's relatively short professional career, while brimming with potential, hasn't yet reached the required level of consistent, high-impact performances.

This highlights the crucial difference between potential and proven excellence when it comes to the Ballon d'Or. While Yamal's future looks incredibly bright, Cafu's comments serve as a reminder that the award recognizes sustained achievement at the highest level.

Other Potential Contenders and Dark Horses

While Cafu's top three are strong contenders, several other players could potentially disrupt the predicted order. Players like Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi (depending on his MLS form and Inter Miami's success), and potentially a breakout star from this upcoming season could easily shake things up. The Ballon d'Or is, after all, a notoriously difficult prize to predict.

Conclusion: A Season of Uncertainty

The road to the Ballon d'Or 2025 is far from over. Cafu's predictions provide a fascinating snapshot of the current landscape, but the upcoming season will undoubtedly dictate the final outcome. One thing is certain: the race for football's most coveted individual award will be fiercely contested and captivating to watch. Keep your eye on these players, and who knows, maybe a new dark horse will emerge to challenge the established order. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!