Ahead of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, it seems like Manchester City maestro Rodri is the clear favourite amongst the players in the Premier League to potentially win the accolade.
However, so far this season, the £62.5 million man is yet to play a single minute of football for City — meaning he has been unable to pick up exactly where he left off from last season.
While the Manchester City midfielder’s chances for winning the Ballon d’Or will not be hurt by his start to the campaign, it seems unlikely that he will be one of the main contenders for the award next year.
It is rare that a defensive midfielder is in the contention to win football’s most prestigious individual award year after year.
However, other players at the Etihad Stadium could have the chance to do so in 2025.
With no international football set to take place next year, the award will solely based on players’ performances at club level.
Pep Guardiola’s men look like they will be in the hunt for major silverware once again — which could lead to their players at least being in the running for the Ballon d’Or.
Shaka Hislop shares Erling Haaland 2025 Ballon d’Or prediction
If Erling Haaland continues to play at the rate he has so far this season, it will take some stopping for him not to be in the contention for the accolade.
The £51 million man has started the campaign in even better fashion than he did in his debut season — which could mean he outdoes his own incredible tally of 52 goals in 53 games.
The 24-year-old finished only behind Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or race last year despite winning the treble — showcasing that he is at the level that he can compete for the award now.
Furthermore, Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 or their general unlikely prospects of winning any international silverware are also factors that will not affect his prospects next year.
Shaka Hislop was asked to predict which players he thinks will be in the running for the award in 2025.
Hislop named Haaland as well as Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
The pundit said via ESPN FC: “For the contention for the Ballon d’Or in 2025, I’ll go with Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal, given the critera that you spelled out. Given the start to the season that we’ve seen from Erling Haaland, a well-rested Erling Haaland, I might add.”
“I don’t mean that as a negative, it just shows that when Erling Haaland has his rest, when he’s able to be his best self, I don’t think the game has seen many finishers like Erling Haaland.”
Erling Haaland should use 2025 Ballon d’Or as motivation
While Haaland’s sights will mainly be set on steering Manchester City towards winning major silverware this season, he could target the 2025 Ballon d’Or to further elevate his displays.
The two-time Premier League winner is arguably the best striker in the world and based on the goal tally he accumulates, he could be in the running for the award next year.
As a result, Haaland’s aim should be to unleash the best version of himself this season across all competitions — which could lead to him potentially taking home the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
While the Leeds-born marksman does not seem to lack any motivation, he could simply use the award as a tool to further amp himself up and improve as a player.
Haaland could already stamp his status as a legend of the game by winning the award when he turns 25 next year.
Whether the Manchester City phenomenon is able to do so will be revealed over the course of the season.
