New Ballon d'Or rankings published – 20 contenders for the biggest individual award

The era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the Ballon d'Or has come to an end, as Manchester City midfielder Rodri was crowned the 2024 winner ahead of Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

The midfielder was instrumental in the success for both club and country, and with Messi and Ronaldo having departed Europe, it seems as if the Spaniard's victory is the official mark of a new era.

While the player is a deserving winner this year, the ligament injury he suffered at the start of the 2024/25 season means it is highly unlikely that the 28-year-old will be able to successfully defend his crown.

That means, barring a miraculous recovery and some exceptional performances, 2025 will bring a new winner.

In the past, the prestigious individual award was based on a player's performance over a calendar year. However, this time - for the third time in the award's history - votes are based on season results.

With this in mind, GiveMeSport has ranked the 20 potential nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or based on how they have performed ahead of next year's gala.

Ranking factors:

Goals scored
assists
Trophies won
Big moments in the 2024/25 season
General form. /Telegraph/