Ballon d’Or 2025: Busquets Shocks Fans With His Surprising Pick

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, and football fans across the globe are debating who deserves the most prestigious individual award in world soccer. While many have tipped Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s rising prodigy, to be a front-runner, former Barça captain Sergio Busquets has surprised fans by publicly backing a different candidate—one of his former Barcelona teammates.

This unexpected endorsement has stirred intense discussion, not just about who should win the Ballon d’Or, but also about the values of loyalty, legacy, and the changing dynamics of football greatness.

Ballon d’Or 2025: The Stakes

The Ballon d’Or has always been more than just an award—it represents global recognition of excellence. Every year, journalists, coaches, captains, and fans scrutinize performances across leagues and tournaments to crown the world’s best player.

In 2025, the award feels particularly charged. The traditional icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have faded from contention, making way for a new generation. Among them, Lamine Yamal has emerged as a shining star. At only 18, his dazzling performances for Barcelona and Spain have made him a household name.

Yet despite this hype, Sergio Busquets—a man who shared the pitch with some of the greatest players in history—has chosen to endorse someone else entirely.

Busquets’ Surprising Pick

Instead of rallying behind Yamal, Busquets has thrown his support behind a former Barcelona teammate. While he didn’t dismiss Yamal’s brilliance, his comments highlighted a sense of loyalty to players who had already proven themselves at the highest level.

His choice shocked many fans, who expected him to naturally back Barcelona’s new jewel. For Busquets, however, the Ballon d’Or is not just about potential but about consistency, leadership, and decisive contributions in football’s biggest moments.

Loyalty vs. Rising Talent

Busquets’ stance reflects a classic football debate: should the Ballon d’Or go to the most promising rising star, or to the player who has already demonstrated long-term excellence?

• In favor of Yamal: Supporters argue that his statistics, dribbling, and ability to dominate matches at such a young age make him not only the future but also the present of world football.

• In favor of Busquets’ pick: Critics of Yamal’s candidacy say he may need more years of consistency before being crowned. They see Busquets’ endorsement as a reminder that the Ballon d’Or should reward experience and proven impact.

This debate mirrors past controversies—like when Messi vs. Lewandowski divided opinion, or when Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity often clashed with the rise of new contenders.

Fan Reactions

Unsurprisingly, Busquets’ comments have set social media ablaze. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #BallonDor2025 and #Busquets began trending as fans debated his choice.

• Barcelona loyalists split between those who defend Yamal as the rightful heir and those who respect Busquets’ nod to veterans.

• Neutral fans saw the moment as symbolic—football’s old guard reluctant to let go, even as new talent takes center stage.

• Yamal supporters expressed disappointment, insisting that his breakthrough year should not be overshadowed by nostalgia or loyalty.

What This Means for the Ballon d’Or Race

Busquets’ opinion doesn’t decide the Ballon d’Or, but it influences the narrative. Football awards are not only about numbers—they’re about storylines, reputations, and momentum.

By highlighting another candidate over Yamal, Busquets has added intrigue to the race. Voters may be swayed by the idea that Yamal still has time, while others may rally behind the narrative of a young prodigy breaking barriers.

Ultimately, the debate showcases how the Ballon d’Or is as much about perception as performance.

The Barcelona Connection

It’s worth noting that both Yamal and Busquets’ pick share a Barcelona connection, further underlining the club’s incredible ability to produce and nurture world-class talent. From Messi to Iniesta to Xavi, and now Yamal, Barcelona has consistently shaped football’s biggest stars.

Busquets’ loyalty to his teammate also reflects the family-like culture of Barça legends—a tradition of standing by those who shaped the club’s golden era. For fans, this adds an emotional layer to an already fiery debate.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Win?

While speculation continues, the final decision will depend on performances in major competitions throughout 2025. The Champions League, domestic titles, and international tournaments will heavily influence voters.

• If Yamal continues his dazzling rise and delivers in big matches, he could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history.

• If Busquets’ pick (a proven veteran) leads their team to silverware, voters may lean toward experience over potential.

Either way, the Ballon d’Or 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable editions in recent memory.

Final Thoughts

Sergio Busquets’ surprising endorsement has done more than shake up predictions—it has highlighted the deeper meaning of the Ballon d’Or. It’s not just about goals and assists, but also about narratives, legacies, and the tension between youthful brilliance and veteran mastery.

As the football world debates Busquets’ choice, one thing is clear: the Ballon d’Or 2025 will not only crown a winner but also define the new era of global football.

Whether the trophy goes to the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal or to a battle-tested veteran, fans can be certain that this year’s Ballon d’Or is about more than an award—it’s about the future of the game.

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