Luis Figo, the esteemed former player of Real Madrid and Portuguese international, has shared his views on the next Ballon d’Or award and the contenders vying for the prestigious title. Among those he believes could pose a significant challenge for the accolade is Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) rising star, Vitinha. This Portuguese midfielder has been instrumental in PSG’s impressive 2024/25 season. Under his influence, the club secured a remarkable treble, clinching Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, which significantly enhances his candidacy for the upcoming Ballon d’Or in 2025.
Figo took the opportunity to elaborate on his assessment of Vitinha’s performances during a conversation with AS, a prominent Spanish news outlet. He underscored Vitinha’s pivotal role in PSG’s successes and highlighted the player’s ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure environments. In addition to his club triumphs, Vitinha also shone on the international stage when he converted a penalty to contribute to Portugal’s victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final. Moreover, he is expected to further augment his trophy cabinet this summer at the FIFA Club World Cup, thereby solidifying his reputation as one of football’s rising talents.
During the discussion, Figo commented on the potential influence of the FIFA Club World Cup on the voting for the Ballon d’Or, dismissing its significance. “I don’t think the Club World Cup will have an impact on the Ballon d’Or,” he asserted. He emphasized that, while numerous players deserve the accolade based on their individual seasons, the ultimate decision lies with the voters and their criteria for selecting a winner. He acknowledged that choices could be influenced by personal preferences—whether they focus on individual performances or the team titles won throughout the season.
When further pressed on whether Vitinha could emerge as a dark horse in this race, Figo expressed confidence in his capabilities. “He’s on the list,” he remarked, indicating that the young midfielder possesses the requisite talent and achievements to be in contention. However, as Figo reiterated, the outcome will largely depend on the voting electorate and what metrics they prioritize when awarding such a prestigious honor.
The chat then shifted to the eligibility of another high-profile contender, Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid. Figo, while acknowledging Mbappé’s scoring prowess during his first season with the club—where he finished as La Liga’s top scorer—expressed skepticism about the French forward’s likelihood of winning the Ballon d’Or. He pointed towards the absence of significant team honors as a potential stumbling block for Mbappé despite his individual achievements.
Figo’s analysis provided insight into the competitive landscape of elite football, noting, “Things weren’t so great at first, but he’s done well since then.” He acknowledged Mbappé’s adaptation to Real Madrid’s playing style, which presents different challenges compared to his previous teams. However, he added, “What could rule him out for individual trophies is his lack of major team titles.” Figo remains cognizant of Mbappé’s standing among the football elite and highlighted that the player is consistently mentioned in discussions regarding the world’s best talents.
As the football world gears up for the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, the debate surrounding contenders will undoubtedly intensify. With Figo’s backing, Vitinha’s name is now firmly in the conversation, alongside established stars like Ousmane Dembélé and the incredibly talented Lamine Yamal from Barcelona. As fans and analysts monitor developments throughout the season, all eyes will be on how players perform in their respective leagues and competitions, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race for one of football’s most coveted prizes.
