Could the UEFA Champions League final determine the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, considering Ousmane Dembele, Lautaro Martinez, and Gianluigi Donnarumma are in the running?
Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale are gearing up for a monumental clash in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final, a match that promises to be the highlight of the European club football calendar.
The Italians, with their rich history in this prestigious competition, are aiming for a fourth title, having previously triumphed in 1963/64, 1964/65, and most recently in 2009/10.
On the other hand, PSG are on the brink of making their own history, seeking to lift the trophy for the very first time when they step onto the Allianz Arena pitch on May 31, a match that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
While the primary narrative will focus on which team will emerge victorious, there are intriguing sub-plots involving key players and their quests for individual accolades.
UEFA has confirmed that this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. The Champions League final could provide a significant indication of who might be in contention for this coveted honour.
Could winning the Champions League propel Ousmane Dembele into the Ballon d’Or spotlight? Dembele has showcased this season why he was once one of the most coveted young talents in world football.
Beginning his career at Rennes, a move to Borussia Dortmund saw him shine in just one season, earning a transfer to Barcelona. However, after a mixed six-year stint in Spain, the Frenchman returned to his homeland in 2023 and is now poised to complete his most productive campaign since his breakout years.
With 33 goals across all competitions, Dembele has shattered his previous best of 14, achieved during his second season with Barcelona in 2018/19. In the Champions League this season, he has netted eight goals, nearly tripling his previous best of three, which he managed twice in Barcelona colours.
Yet, it’s not just the numbers that matter; the significance of the goals scored is paramount. Dembele’s strike against Manchester City, when PSG was trailing 2-0, ignited a stunning comeback that saw the Ligue 1 side win 4-2. He also scored crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in the knockout stages.
With a total of 44 goal contributions so far, another standout performance in Munich could significantly bolster his claims for football’s top individual prize. And with the ceremony taking place in his club’s home city, it could be a fairytale ending for a player once deemed to have underachieved.
Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez and Inter will enter the final smarting from the disappointment of missing out on the Serie A title on the last day of the season. The Argentinian striker, who ranks sixth on Inter’s all-time top goalscorer list with 151 goals, has had a less prolific season in Serie A, scoring 12 league goals compared to his previous best.
However, he has seemingly reserved his best form for Europe, netting nine goals in the Champions League ahead of the final. His impressive hat-trick against Monaco in the final league phase match, along with goals against Feyenoord and Bayern Munich, has made him the first player from the club to score in five consecutive matches in the competition.
Martinez, who has been touted for the Ballon d’Or by none other than Lionel Messi, will be eager to enhance his credentials and help Inter improve on their runner-up finish from last season.
In the goalkeeping department, Gianluigi Donnarumma has a chance to break the mould, as no goalkeeper has won the Ballon d’Or since Lev Yashin in 1963. Despite the historical bias towards outfield players, Donnarumma has made a strong case for himself this season, particularly with his standout performances in penalty shootouts and crucial saves in the semi-finals against Arsenal.
A stellar display against Inter could see him join the ranks of the greats and potentially claim the main Ballon d’Or prize. However, the award may not necessarily go to any of the players on the pitch in Munich, as other stars are also in contention.
Mohamed Salah, for instance, has had an incredible season, equalling the league record for combined goal contributions with 47, while also scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions. Raphinha from Barcelona is another contender, closely trailing Salah in goal involvements and having a significant impact in La Liga and the Champions League.
As the final approaches, the race for the Ballon d’Or is heating up, with several players making their case for football’s most prestigious individual accolade. The current contenders are shaping up as follows:
Goals:
– Mohamed Salah: 34
– Raphinha: 34
– Ousmane Dembele: 33
– Lautaro Martinez: 22
Assists:
– Mohamed Salah: 23
– Raphinha: 22
– Ousmane Dembele: 11
As the Champions League final looms, all eyes will be on Munich to see who will emerge victorious and who will take a step closer to individual glory.