The announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings was supposed to be a moment of celebration, but for Barcelona fans, one ranking has certainly ruffled a few feathers among the Catalan fanbase.
A wave of disappointment and disbelief has swept across social media, centered on one baffling decision that has ignited a debate between the two rival fans. Amidst a list of the world's greatest players, a single ranking has become a lightning rod for controversy.
The official list, released to much anticipation, has left many questioning the entire selection process. The source of their fury? A ranking that places one of the sport's most legendary strikers just below a bitter rival. The stunning reality is that Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr was ranked 16th, a single spot above Barcelona's prolific goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, at 17th.
The majority of the reactions have labelled this decision a robbery, some even calling it the biggest heist in Paris since Kim Kardashian’s infamous armed theft in the French capital. While a handful of Real Madrid supporters argue that their star deserved to be ranked higher, insisting he is the superior player, more neutral football fans appear to side with the Polish striker. For them, his numbers and influence over the past season make it clear who should have finished above in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Two players who narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or in past years have since gone on to shine at Spain’s biggest clubs. From the 2024/25 season alone, they’ve been almost inseparable but the statistics reveal clear evidence of an error in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
The stats tell the story of 2024/25 season
The ranking for the world’s best can often be questionable, and this year is no exception. At 37 years old, the Polish striker delivered an incredible return of 42 goals in 52 appearances — 27 of those in La Liga and 11 in the Champions League. In contrast, the Brazilian’s numbers look far less impressive, with just 22 goals in 57 games.
The silverware over the past 12 months also back that claim. The Brazilian, likely to be still reeling from his Ballon d’OR snub from the previous year, collected no trophies from the past season, while Barcelona’s further progress in the Champions League also played a role in how the rankings were ultimately decided.
Two major factors highlight the picture, and the slight injustice, from a Barcelona perspective. Still, it’s an injustice that won’t sting as much if Lamine Yamal misses out to a truly deserving winner in Ousmane Dembélé.