The 2025 Ballon d'Or race looks set to be a battle between Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG forward Ousmane Dembele.
18-year-old Lamine Yamal secured an incredible trophy treble in Catalonia in the 2024/25 campaign as Hansi Flick's debut season ended with the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup trophies all landing in the cabinet.
However, PSG went one better, as Luis Enrique won the quadruple, including a first-ever UEFA Champions League title in Paris.
The France Football award is viewed as the most prestigious individual honour in world football and it looks certain to be staying Paris or heading to Barcelona on September 22.
Manchester City star Rodri's controversial win in 2024 was the first time a Premier League player won the award since Michael Owen lifted it at Liverpool in 2001.
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That looks almost certain to remain the theme in 2025, with just five EPL players nominated, including Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
As Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his first season, Salah roared back to form, with 29 league goals, and 34 scored overall.
Salah has never finished inside the Ballon d'Or top three, with fifth placed spots in 2019 and 2022, but he's received some unexpected support from Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.
"For me, the Ballon d'Or winner should be Mo Salah. He's the best player. He scores so much, provides so many assists. The most balanced player last season was Salah," he said.
Despite Casemiro's support, Salah is not expected to break the top three, with Raphinha slightly ahead in the running.
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