Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Raphinha: Who might challenge Liverpool star Mohamed Salah for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?

**Salah’s Contract, Ballon d’Or Aspirations, and Comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo**

As the football world eagerly anticipates the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner in October, the race for the prestigious award is heating up. Among the frontrunners is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who is enjoying a sensational season, consistently adding to his tally of goals and assists. If he maintains this form, he could very well be on the verge of one of the greatest individual seasons in football history.

Salah has previously finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting on two occasions, but last year, he shockingly failed to make the 30-man shortlist. This year, however, he seems determined to change that narrative. With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, Salah’s contributions could be pivotal in securing both individual accolades and team silverware.

Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, believes that team success will play a crucial role in Salah’s Ballon d’Or ambitions. “It’s a good thing that Mo is in the discussion because it means he does well and it means we are doing well,” Slot remarked. He added, “But for him to stay in that discussion, he should bring in the same performances as he’s done for seven or eight months now. I think in general, someone that wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well, so it is a great challenge in front of us but also in front of him.”

Another strong contender is Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid. The French forward has been in scintillating form, recently netting a hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. Although he has yet to lift the Champions League trophy, a successful campaign with Real Madrid could significantly bolster his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. Mbappe finished third in the 2023 voting, and he will be keen to improve on that this time around.

Vinicius Junior, also from Real Madrid, is another name to watch. After finishing second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, the Brazilian was so displeased with the outcome that Real Madrid chose to boycott the ceremony. This year, he faces the daunting task of outshining his teammate Mbappe, with both players aware that standout performances in the Champions League knockout stages will be crucial.

The last Brazilian to claim the Ballon d’Or was Kaka in 2007, and Vinicius will be eager to end that drought.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is making waves as a potential dark horse. After winning the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 at last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, the 17-year-old is having a remarkable season, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns. Described as a “genius” by Barca boss Hansi Flick, Yamal leads La Liga in assists. However, his individual statistics may not yet be enough to secure the Ballon d’Or, unless he can help his team clinch some silverware.

Raphinha, also of Barcelona, is another player to keep an eye on. Although currently viewed as an outside pick, the Brazilian winger has been in dazzling form, racking up goals and assists in both La Liga and the Champions League. If he continues on this trajectory, he could emerge as a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or by the end of the season.

As the season progresses, the race for the Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be an exciting one. Salah, Mbappe, Vinicius, Yamal, and Raphinha are all vying for football’s most coveted individual honour. The coming months will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining who will lift the prestigious trophy later this year.