“2025 Ballon d’Or Twist: Figo Picks Surprise Rival To Yamal And Dembele!”

Luis Figo, the former Real Madrid and Barcelona legend, has hinted that a once-underwhelming Premier League player could rival Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal in the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Paris Saint-Germain wingers Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal are widely seen as frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with Dembélé leading the race after helping PSG secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.

However, football legend Luis Figo, a Ballon d’Or winner himself in 2000, has offered a surprising take. In an interview with Diario AS, the 52-year-old named Vitinha — a once-overlooked midfielder who had a disappointing loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers — as a potential dark horse for the award.

“Several players deserve it based on their season,” Figo said. “I like Lamine, and Vitinha, who’s won everything this season, and Dembélé too… It depends on whether the focus is on individual brilliance or team achievements. Vitinha is on the list. He has a chance.”

Vitinha was pivotal in PSG’s domestic and European dominance and played a key role in Portugal’s Nations League triumph. His transformation from a struggling Premier League loanee into a potential Ballon d’Or candidate is one of football’s most dramatic turnarounds.

Figo also downplayed Kylian Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or chances, despite the Frenchman’s record-breaking debut at Real Madrid. While Mbappé ended the season with the most goal contributions of any new Real signing, Figo noted the lack of major team trophies as a possible disqualifier.

“He’s done well, scored plenty, and adapted to Madrid, but team titles matter in these awards,” said Figo. “He’ll always be among the world’s best, but this year may not be his.”