Arsenal midfielder named favourite to win 2025 Ballon d’Or

Arsenal midfielder, Mikel Merino, has shared his opinion on who could emerge winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2025.

Merino named two players and Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri as his two favourites to become the next Ballon d’Or winner.

The Gunners midfielder insisted that the duo of Yamal and Pedri had an incredible 2024/25 season with the Catalans.

He, however, added that if Spain wins the Nations League, it can be a boost for the players to win the Ballon d’ Or.

Merino in a statement with EFE (via Barca Universal) said that while Pedri and Yamal didn’t win the [UEFA] Champions League with Barcelona, they’ve shown all year that they’re at the level of the best.

“Hopefully Spain win the Nations League and it will give them a push, we also want to win it to give another title to Spain and for personal ambition,” he said.

Other players who stand a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or include:

• Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain.
• Raphinia (Raphael Dias Belloli) – Barcelona.
• Mohamed Salah – Liverpool.
• Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid.
• Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain.
• Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain.

We will have to wait to see who would emerge the next Ballon d’Or winner.