"How is Mbappe even here", "Joke of a Ballon d'Or list" - Fans react as news publication reveals their 2025 Ballon d'Or power rankings
Fans have reacted in disbelief on X after GOAL revealed their 2025 Ballon d'Or power rankings. Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is currently their frontrunner to win the prestigious award, while Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe is 10th despite his struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri edged past Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, much to the chagrin of many fans. However, the former hasn't made the list after suffering a season-ending ACL injury earlier this campaign. Vinicius will be seeking to win the award but is currently fourth in the rankings.
Salah holds the top spot for now. The Liverpool winger has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists in 17 appearances across all competitions. His feats have aided the Reds in being at the top of the Premier League under new manager Arne Slot.
The Barcelona duo of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are in second and third place, respectively, after returning to form under Hansi Flick. Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala rounds off the top five while Lamine Yamal is sixth. Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kylian Mbappe comprise the top 10.
One fan posted:
"Joke of a Ballon d’Or list, as usual. Mbappe being in the top 10 despite being one of Real Madrid’s worst players this season is laughable. Van Dijk should arguably be top of that list, let alone not being included in the list at all."
Another fan questioned Mbappe's inclusion. Since joining Real Madrid from PSG over the summer, the Frenchman has struggled to look convincing.
"How is Mbappe even here honestly?"
Other fans reacted below:
"Mbappe does not even deserve to be top 20 let's be honest here..." one fan commented
"These lists are absolutely insulting. No Virgil Van Dijk is a criminal offense. Harry Kane behind Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr, also awful. Same with the omission of Gravenberch. Mbappe Top 10 — do not get me started," another added
"Mbappe did absolutely nothing and hes top 10," another chimed in
"Mo Salah is finally taking it this year," one fan predicted
"Football works sometimes like politics" - Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski gives verdict on 2020 Ballon d'Or snub
Barcelona ace Robert Lewandowski has expressed his disappointment at not winning the 2020 Ballon d'Or despite having a brilliant 2019-20 season for Bayern Munich. The esteemed award was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lewandowski was arguably the most in-form player in the world during the 2019-20 season. He garnered 55 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances across competitions, helping Bayern win six trophies, including the Bundesliga title and UEFA Champions League.
Despite being the frontrunner to win the Ballon d'Or that year, the ceremony was canceled. Lewandowski came up short the following year, finishing in second place behind Lionel Messi.
The 36-year-old told Rio Ferdinand (via Barca Universal):
“At the time I didn’t understand why. All the leagues were being played, the Champions League was being played, and for me, it was like, why? I know that football works sometimes like politics because if you have football, you have business. And if you have a business, you have politics."
During the same interview, Lewandowski also admitted he would accept the Ballon d'Or today, despite it being four years since the canceled ceremony.
