Ballon d’Or 2025: Rashford tips Dembele, Yamal, Raphinha for top award

Manchester United forward, Marcus Rashford, currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona, has tipped three players he believes deserve to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.

Rashford, who joined the Spanish giants this summer, named his Barcelona teammates, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, alongside Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele, as players capable of being crowned the world’s best.

Speaking on his picks, the England international said: “Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, they all deserve it. It’s hard to pick one, but they’re all mature and have had a fantastic season. Lamine is so young that he is sure to win it. He’s a top talent, a top player.”

The trio of Dembele, Yamal, and Raphinha all made the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, which honours the best footballer in the world over the past year. Rashford’s comments come as the debate continues over who should succeed Lionel Messi as the next Ballon d’Or winner.

Yamal, just 17 years old, has been one of Barcelona’s brightest sparks, dazzling fans across Europe with his dribbling and creativity. Raphinha, on the other hand, enjoyed a breakout season, playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s push for titles, while Dembele rediscovered his form with PSG, delivering consistent match-winning performances.

With many top players also in contention, including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham, this year’s race for the Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent times.

The award ceremony is expected to generate massive global attention as fans and pundits eagerly await to see if Rashford’s predictions will come true.