The 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League final is shaking the Ballon d'Or predictions.
Ousmane Dembélé (28) and Lautaro Martínez (28) have surged as strong contenders for the Ballon d'Or due to their respective teams Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan reaching the Champions League final.
Dembélé's PSG advanced to the final after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the second leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals on the 8th (Korean time), with an aggregate score of 3-1.
Martínez's Inter defeated Barcelona 4-3 the day before, on the 7th, winning 7-6 on aggregate. Inter reached the final stage again after two years since the 2022-2023 season.
The Champions League final, to be held on June 1 in Munich, Germany, serves as an important standard that can directly influence individual awards due to its symbolism. Above all, this year, lacking World Cup and Euro competitions, is likely to have a significant impact on the Ballon d'Or race.
According to Spain's 'Marca' on the 9th (Korean time), the main candidates for the Ballon d'Or until now have been Raphinha (29), Lamine Yamal (18), and Pedri (23), all of whom are players from Barcelona.
They have already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey (King's Cup) trophies alongside Barcelona. The La Liga title is also within reach. Barcelona is leading with 79 points, ahead of second-place Real Madrid (75 points) by 4 points.
The upcoming 'El Clásico' match between Barcelona and Real Madrid on the 11th is expected to be pivotal. If Barcelona wins, it's a different story, but a loss could significantly affect the Ballon d'Or race as well.
Raphinha has had an outstanding season with 32 goals and 25 assists in 53 matches, Yamal with 15 goals and 24 assists in 51 matches, and Pedri with 6 goals and 7 assists in 55 matches. However, while Barcelona was eliminated in the Champions League semifinals, Dembélé and Lautaro have the opportunity to leave a strong impression in the final.
In particular, Dembélé has played a key role as PSG's main striker under coach Luis Enrique this season. He has recorded 33 goals and 13 assists in 46 matches, following victories in Ligue 1 and the French Super Cup, and with the Coupe de France, Champions League, Club World Cup, and Nations League still ahead.
Martínez has also led Inter's Champions League final appearance, recording 22 goals and 7 assists in 48 matches. Inter is in contention for the Serie A title and is also set to participate in the Club World Cup, so winning the Champions League could be a significant variable in the award competition.
Of course, there is also the case of Rodri (Manchester City), who was awarded last year solely based on achievements outside the Champions League. However, ultimately, the results of the Champions League are likely to determine the final outcome of the Ballon d'Or.
Meanwhile, Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal have advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League, with the FIFA Club World Cup also remaining. The results of these tournaments could also influence the selection of award recipients.
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