Ballon d’Or 2025: Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior nominated after contrasting seasons
The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, and two Brazilian stars are among the 30 contenders revealed by France Football: Barcelona’s Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. The award for the world’s best player will be announced on 22 September.
Raphinha is coming off the best season of his career under coach Hansi Flick, playing a decisive role in Barcelona’s attacking system. The 28-year-old winger made 57 appearances across La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa, scoring 34 goals and providing 25 assists.
Vinícius Júnior, on the other hand, endured a season below his own high standards. A year after being a strong favourite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the 25-year-old forward faced criticism for inconsistent performances. Still, he managed 22 goals and 19 assists in 58 matches for Real Madrid.
The dual Brazilian presence on the shortlist underscores the firepower of the Seleção’s attack as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has been testing different combinations, with names such as Lyanco, Samuel Lino, and even a potential Neymar return under consideration.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in Paris, where one of football’s most prestigious individual honours will be awarded after a season full of standout performances.
