Vini Jr., from Real Madrid, and Raphinha, from Barcelona, are among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius Jr., from Real Madrid, and Raphinha, from Barcelona, are among the 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, an award celebrating the best players of the 2024/25 season in Europe. The ceremony is scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, bringing together global football stars. Organized by France Football, the list also highlights names like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane, reflecting the competitiveness of European football. Brazil’s presence extends to other categories, such as the Kopa Trophy with Estêvão and the Yashin Trophy with Alisson Becker, solidifying the country’s impact on the global stage.
The Brazilian duo arrives at the awards with standout performances at their clubs. Vini Jr. has established himself as a key player for Real Madrid, while Raphinha is thriving at Barcelona, leading the attack alongside young talents. The list of nominees was announced on Thursday, August 7, by the official Ballon d’Or account, generating great anticipation among fans and analysts.
- Key nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or:
- Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Brazilian highlights in the awards
The 2024/25 season has put Brazil in the spotlight in European football. Vini Jr., with his dribbling, decisive goals, and consistent performances in the Champions League, is considered one of the favorites. His speed and ability to turn games make him a strong contender. Raphinha, meanwhile, has taken on a starring role at Barcelona, posting impressive numbers in goals and assists in La Liga, as well as standout performances in international competitions.
Brazil’s presence isn’t limited to the main category. Estêvão, a young Chelsea forward formerly with Palmeiras, is nominated for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best under-21 player. Alisson Becker, from Liverpool, is in the running for the Yashin Trophy, which honors the best goalkeeper, reinforcing Brazil’s strength across different positions. Arthur Elias, coach of the Brazilian women’s national team, is also nominated for best coach in women’s football after winning the Copa América.
History of the Ballon d’Or and its significance
The Ballon d’Or, created in 1956 by France Football, is the highest individual honor in world football. Initially limited to European players, the award opened to athletes worldwide in 1995, allowing icons like Pelé to be eligible in theory. Brazil has won the award five times, with Ronaldo (1997 and 2002), Rivaldo (1999), Ronaldinho (2005), and Kaká (2007).
The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or was Lev Yashin in 1963, inspiring the trophy named after him. The 2025 award evaluates performances from August 2024 to July 2025, with votes from specialized journalists from the top 100 Fifa-ranked countries.
- Ballon d’Or voting criteria:
- Individual performance and impact in key matches
- Team achievements with clubs and national teams
- Class, fair play, and influence in the sport
Other contenders and the strength of European football
Besides Vini Jr. and Raphinha, the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees include stars like Erling Haaland of Manchester City, a reference in goal-scoring, and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, whose midfield consistency makes him a favorite. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s young sensation, competes in both the main category and the Kopa Trophy, showcasing his versatility.
Kylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, is another heavyweight, blending speed and precision. Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool round out the list of players who shone in their domestic leagues and European competitions. The diversity of clubs, with representatives from La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga, underscores the balance in European football this season.
Additional categories and Brazilian standouts
The 2025 Ballon d’Or also recognizes other categories, with a strong Brazilian presence. In the Kopa Trophy, Estêvão faces competitors like Lamine Yamal and João Neves from PSG, in a race that highlights football’s future. Alisson Becker, nominated for the Yashin Trophy, competes with names like Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG and Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa, the current award holder.
In women’s football, Amanda Gutierres and Marta, Copa América champions, are nominated for the women’s Ballon d’Or. Arthur Elias, coach of the Brazilian women’s team, is in the running for best women’s coach, alongside names like Emma Hayes of Chelsea.
- Brazilian nominees in other categories:
- Estêvão (Kopa Trophy – best under-21)
- Alisson Becker (Yashin Trophy – best goalkeeper)
- Amanda Gutierres and Marta (Women’s Ballon d’Or)
- Arthur Elias (Best women’s football coach)
The ceremony and global impact
The ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris is one of football’s most anticipated events, broadcast globally by channels like ESPN and streaming platforms like Star+. Set for September 22, the awards are expected to draw millions of viewers, with focus not only on the men’s Ballon d’Or but also on the women’s and technical categories.
The absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the first time since 2003, marks a new era for the award, opening space for young talents and rising stars. Voting, conducted by journalists from 100 countries, follows strict criteria, awarding five points to the first choice, three to the second, and one to the third.
Expectations for Vini Jr. and Raphinha
Vini Jr. enters the awards as a top contender, especially after his decisive performances in the Champions League and La Liga. His ability to lead Real Madrid in crucial moments positions him as a strong candidate to become the sixth Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or. Raphinha, though less favored, has impressed with his consistency and impact at Barcelona, making him a contender for a high ranking.
The 2024/25 season saw standout individual performances and collective achievements. Real Madrid, Vini Jr.’s club, and Barcelona, Raphinha’s team, were among Europe’s protagonists, bolstering the Brazilians’ candidacies. However, the competition is fierce, with players like Haaland and Mbappé also in the race for the top spot.
- Factors boosting Vini Jr. and Raphinha:
- Decisive performances in European competitions
- Goals and assists in domestic leagues
- Impact on their teams and national squads
Emerging names and veterans in the race
The nominee list reflects a mix of young prospects and established veterans. Lamine Yamal, at just 18, is a standout, combining skill and maturity at Barcelona. Désiré Doué and João Neves, both from PSG, represent the new generation of European football. Among veterans, Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool remain benchmarks in their roles.
The inclusion of players like Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting and Michael Olise of Bayern Munich highlights the diversity of markets represented. The 2024/25 season showcased the rise of clubs like Napoli, with Scott McTominay, and Bayer Leverkusen, with Florian Wirtz, reinforcing global competitiveness.
The weight of the Yashin Trophy and Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker, the only Brazilian to win the Yashin Trophy in 2019, returns as a nominee after a solid season with Liverpool. Despite injuries last season, the goalkeeper was pivotal in Liverpool’s comfortable Premier League title win. He faces tough competition from Donnarumma, a Champions League winner with PSG, and Emiliano Martínez, who shone in the Copa América.
The Yashin Trophy, created in 2019, honors Lev Yashin, the legendary Soviet goalkeeper and only keeper to win the Ballon d’Or. Voting, conducted by the same Ballon d’Or journalists, focuses on performances from August 2024 to July 2025, emphasizing crucial saves and team impact.
- Alisson’s competitors for the Yashin Trophy:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Mike Maignan (Milan)
The future of football in the Kopa Trophy
Estêvão, formerly of Palmeiras and now at Chelsea, is Brazil’s big bet for the Kopa Trophy. At just 18, the forward stood out in the Club World Cup with Palmeiras and is already making waves in the Premier League. He faces competitors like Lamine Yamal, also nominated in the main category, and João Neves, a PSG signing.
The Kopa Trophy, established in 2018, has crowned talents like Kylian Mbappé, Pedri, and Jude Bellingham, serving as a gauge for football’s future. Estêvão’s nomination reinforces Brazil’s tradition of producing precocious talents, following in the footsteps of Neymar and Vinicius Jr.
- Favorites for the 2025 Kopa Trophy:
- Estêvão (Chelsea)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- João Neves (PSG)
- Arda Güler (Real Madrid)
Broadcast and global engagement
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be broadcast live by sports channels like ESPN, TNT, and SporTV, as well as streaming platforms like Star+ and HBO Max. The event is expected to reach millions of viewers, with social media debates about favorites and potential surprises. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo opens a new narrative, with Vini Jr. and Raphinha representing Brazil in the fight for prominence.
The awards also recognize clubs and coaches, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the favorites for best club. In women’s football, Brazil’s strength is evident with Amanda Gutierres and Marta, who aim to make history in a category often dominated by Europeans.
