The Ballon d’Or is officially in a new era, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance ended by Manchester City midfielder Rodri last year. In 2025, the new generation’s influence is duly reflected by France Football’s nominees.
Messi and Ronaldo, having shared the award for 13 out of 16 seasons, are enjoying the twilight of their careers in the United States and Saudi Arabia respectively. The crown is there for the taking, but who will pick it up at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night?
For Express Sport readers, though, Salah is the overwhelming choice to win the Ballon d’Or.
Out of thousands polled, Salah scooped a whopping 52 per cent of the votes. More than twice as much as the second-placed player.
He and Liverpool did fall short outside of the league, falling in Europe in the last 16 in addition to a fourth-round FA Cup exit and defeat to Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup.
But his performances week in, week out, against elite opposition have left Express Sport readers in no doubt that he deserves a first Ballon d’Or.
In second place, Dembele received the next highest amount of votes, with 22 per cent of those polled of the opinion that the French forward deserves the top gong.
The PSG talisman is the current favourite, although his team-mates are not expected to join Dembele at the ceremony as their rearranged derby with Marseille is set to take place at the same time.
Trailing Salah and Dembele is teenage sensation Yamal. Few would be surprised if the Barcelona winger picks up the Ballon d’Or in his lifetime, but Express Sport readers consider him third on the list this year with a 17 per cent share.
The top three are followed by Raphinha in fourth, with six per cent of the votes, and Vitinha fifth, taking three per cent.
Ballon d’Or 1-2-3, according to Express Sport readers
1: Mohamed Salah
2: Ousmane Dembele
3: Lamine Yamal
