Yamal Snubbed: Cafu Names His Ballon D'Or 2025 Favorites

James

3 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Yamal Snubbed: Cafu Names His Ballon d'Or 2025 Favorites, Leaving Gavi and Bellingham in the Dust

The football world is buzzing after legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu revealed his early predictions for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, sparking debate and controversy. Notably absent from his list? The rising stars Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham, leaving many questioning Cafu's selection criteria. But who did make the cut? Let's dive into Cafu's bold predictions and explore why some are already calling it controversial.

Cafu's Bold Predictions: A Surprise Lineup

In a recent interview, Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner and widely considered one of the greatest right-backs of all time, shared his thoughts on the future of football's most prestigious individual award. While many expected the likes of Gavi and Bellingham to feature prominently, Cafu surprised fans and pundits alike with his selection. His top three picks are:

• Kylian Mbappé: The PSG superstar remains a firm favorite, consistently delivering exceptional performances on the world stage. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and overall impact on the game make him a strong contender, according to Cafu. Mbappé’s continued success with PSG and potentially a dominant World Cup performance in 2026 could solidify his position.

• Erling Haaland: The Manchester City striker has taken the Premier League by storm. His prolific goalscoring record speaks for itself. Cafu highlighted Haaland’s unmatched ability to find the back of the net, stating that his consistency is key to a Ballon d'Or victory. However, critics might argue that Haaland’s impact is less noticeable in Champions League matches.

• Vinícius Júnior: Real Madrid's electrifying winger is a name that increasingly pops up in Ballon d'Or conversations. His dazzling skill, pace, and ability to create chances make him a serious threat. Cafu praised Vinicius’s ability to change the game in an instant and his overall contribution to Real Madrid's success.

The Notable Omissions: Yamal, Bellingham, and Others

The most surprising aspect of Cafu’s predictions is the absence of certain highly-rated young players. Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy, has shown immense potential, and Jude Bellingham's impact at Real Madrid has been significant. Their omission from Cafu's list has sparked a lively debate amongst fans. Some believe these players are still too young and need more time to prove themselves at the highest level consistently. Others argue that their current performances merit at least a mention.

The Ballon d'Or: A Shifting Landscape

The Ballon d'Or is more than just an award; it's a reflection of the current footballing landscape. While traditional metrics like goals scored and assists remain important, the overall impact on the team and individual performances in major tournaments increasingly influence the final decision.

Conclusion: A Controversial but Thought-Provoking Prediction

Cafu’s Ballon d’Or 2025 predictions are undoubtedly controversial. The omission of players like Yamal and Bellingham has ignited a much-needed conversation about the evolving criteria for the prestigious award. While only time will tell if his predictions are accurate, his choices certainly offer a compelling glimpse into the potential future of the Ballon d’Or race. What are your thoughts? Who do you think will win the 2025 Ballon d'Or? Share your predictions in the comments below!

(Keywords: Ballon d'Or 2025, Cafu, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Gavi, Football, Soccer, Predictions, Awards, Controversy)