Ballon d’Or 2025 Snubs: The Biggest Omissions from the Shortlist

The 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist for 2025 features PSG’s Champions League heroes, Premier League stars, and global icons—but several standout players surprisingly missed the cut. Here are the most notable snubs:

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1. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

• Why He Deserved a Spot:
  • Scored 19 goals in all competitions despite United’s turbulent season.
  • Carried the team to the Europa League final, playing a deeper midfield role under new boss Rúben Amorim.
  • One of the few United players to consistently deliver in big moments.

2. Marquinhos (PSG)

• Why He Deserved a Spot:
  • Captained PSG to their first-ever Champions League title, anchoring a historic 5-0 demolition of Inter in the final.
  • A defensive masterclass all season—composed, positionally flawless, and crucial in buildup play.
  • Proof that defenders still struggle to get Ballon d’Or recognition.

3. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

• Why He Deserved a Spot:
  • 27 Premier League goals fired Newcastle to Champions League qualification and a long-awaited trophy.
  • Now a prime target for Liverpool after outscoring most elite strikers in Europe.

4. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)

• Why He’s Still Elite (Even at 38):
  • No Ballon d’Or nod, but remains essential for club and country.
  • Eyes set on the 2026 World Cup—could he defy age and reclaim the award one last time?

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/Portugal)

• Why He’s Still a Machine (At 40!):
  • 25 league goals in Saudi Arabia, proving he’s still a lethal finisher.
  • Ballon d’Or pedigree (five wins) but overlooked due to league stature.

6. Willian Pacho (PSG/Ecuador)

• Why He’s a Rising Star:
  • Went from unknown to unstoppable, forming a rock-solid partnership with Marquinhos.
  • A Champions League knockout-stage standout, combining physicality with elegance.

7. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)

• Why He’s Underrated:
  • Madrid’s most consistent midfielder, even filling in at right-back with authority.
  • A leader and workhorse, but overshadowed by flashier names.

8. Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah/Italy)

• Why He’s the Breakout Snub:
  • 25 Serie A goals for Atalanta earned a €65M move to Saudi Arabia.
  • Dominated in Europe before cashing in—deserved more recognition.

9. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid/Argentina)

• Why Man City Regret Selling Him:
  • After a €95M transfer, he thrived as Atlético’s most reliable forward.
  • Versatile, creative, and clutch—a future Ballon d’Or contender.

10. Gabriel (Arsenal/Brazil)

• Why He’s a Defender’s Dream:
  • Dominant in the air, calm in possession—a complete centre-back.
  • Arsenal’s defensive backbone, yet again ignored for individual awards.

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Final Thought: Why These Snubs Matter

While the Ballon d’Or shortlist celebrates the best, it also exposes biases:

• Defenders and midfielders (Marquinhos, Valverde, Gabriel) struggle for recognition.
• Players in “lesser” leagues (Ronaldo, Retegui) face uphill battles.
• Consistency over glamour (Fernandes, Isak) isn’t always rewarded.

Who do you think was the biggest robbery? Let the debate begin!