Aspiring soccer star Pedri poses the query: Could I aim to clinch the esteemed Ballon d'Or trophy?
Barcelona Midfielder Pedri's Impressive Season and Ballon d'Or Ambitions
Barcelona's rising star, Pedri, has had a stellar 2024-25 season, contributing significantly to the club's domestic treble campaign. The Spanish midfielder scored four goals and provided five assists in 37 LaLiga matches, creating 70 chances, making him one of the most influential players in the league [1].
Pedri's exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed, as he finds himself in the running for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. Alongside Ousmane Dembele, Pedri has emerged as a frontrunner for the accolade [2].
Dembele, an unpredictable and versatile winger, has also had an impressive season, scoring crucial goals and proving decisive in matches. His performances for PSG in their treble-winning season and strong showings in the FIFA Club World Cup have made him the bookmakers' favorite for the Ballon d'Or [1].
Vinícius Júnior, the Real Madrid winger, is also a strong contender for the award, favored by data-driven models for his crucial goals and trophies won with the Spanish giants [2]. Other notable candidates include Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappe, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, and Raphinha [3][4].
When asked about the Ballon d'Or, Pedri expressed his dream of winning the award during his career. He believes that a team's success could potentially lead to him lifting the trophy [1]. Pedri also expressed his admiration for both Dembele and Vinícius Júnior, acknowledging them as two of the best players in the world [4].
However, Pedri has not made any direct statements about his thoughts on Dembele or Vinícius Júnior's chances of winning the award. Gavi, another Barcelona midfielder, has praised Pedri's abilities, suggesting that he "deserves the Ballon d'Or more than anyone" [4].
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal, another promising young talent, has also had a standout season. Despite being known for his love of playing for fun, Yamal has shone this season and scored a lot of goals, a new development for the midfielder [1]. Yamal's potential is enormous, and he is confident in one-on-one situations, able to dribble with ease [1].
The Ballon d'Or has been dominated by a select few since 2008, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Rodri all taking home the award [1]. Rodri won the award in 2024, marking a shift in the focus towards midfielders [1]. Pedri believes that the midfielder position is finally being recognized for its worth [1].
As the 2025 Ballon d'Or race heats up, it remains to be seen who will ultimately take home the coveted award. With Pedri, Dembele, and Vinícius Júnior all in contention, it promises to be an exciting competition.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Pedri, Dembele, and Vinícius Júnior Lead Ballon d'Or Race. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/ballondor/story/_/id/33769450/pedri-dembele-vinicius-jr-lead-ballon-dor-race
[2] Goal.com. (2025). Data-Driven Models Favor Vinícius Júnior for Ballon d'Or. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/news/data-driven-models-favor-vinicius-jr-for-ballon-dor/1qzqvqc6g1k911e8k70kq383v
[3] Football London. (2025). Kvaratskhelia, Mbappe, Mendes, and Ruiz in Ballon d'Or Race. Retrieved from https://football.london/arsenal-fc/news/kvaratskhelia-mbappe-mendes-ruiz-ballon-dor-race-22644810
[4] Marca.com. (2025). Gavi Praises Pedri's Ballon d'Or Chances. Retrieved from https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2025/04/28/5e0d5174265bfe4f188b462d.html
- Pedri's exceptional performance in LaLiga, along with his ambitions to win the Ballon d'Or, has kept discussions about European-leagues football's most prestigious award alive.
- Playing alongside other Ballon d'Or contenders such as Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinícius Júnior, Pedri continues to impress in the European leagues, especially in Laliga.
