The 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist has sparked controversy, with one name at the center of the storm – Vinícius Júnior.
The Real Madrid star made the top 30 despite enduring a frustrating season where Los Blancos fell short in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.
While Vinícius is undoubtedly talented, many fans and pundits believe others had a far stronger case for inclusion. Here are seven players who can feel hard done by after being overlooked.
1. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
The most glaring omission. Musiala had his best-ever season in 2024/25, playing a key role in Bayern’s Bundesliga triumph.
He ranked ninth-highest for average match rating in Europe’s top leagues and outperformed teammates Harry Kane and Michael Olise, who did make the list.
Simply put, Musiala was the creative heartbeat of Bayern – and his absence is baffling.
2. Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Few forwards in Europe matched Barcola’s numbers: 14 goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1. He averaged a goal contribution every 91 minutes and was central to PSG’s historic treble.
He even assisted in the Champions League final – yet somehow, Vinícius (with far less impact) gets the nod instead.
3. Marquinhos (PSG)
PSG’s captain and defensive rock had a brilliant year, anchoring the backline in a treble-winning season.
With multiple PSG players included, it’s shocking their most consistent defender was snubbed.
Compared to Vinícius’ inconsistency, Marquinhos offered stability, leadership, and trophies.
4. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
The Swedish striker scored 23 Premier League goals, fired Newcastle to Champions League qualification, and lifted the League Cup with a Wembley final goal.
Now being pursued for over £100m, Isak is proving he’s world-class. The fact he’s missing while Vinícius is included feels like a snub to Newcastle’s remarkable season.
5. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s Premier League-winning squad got three players on the shortlist – Van Dijk, Salah, and Mac Allister. But if one midfielder deserved recognition, it was Gravenberch.
Deployed deeper by Arne Slot, the Dutchman became one of Europe’s most consistent midfielders. His influence arguably surpassed Vinícius’ patchy displays for Madrid.
6. Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt/Man City)
With 22 goals and 9 assists, Marmoush was fourth in Europe for combined goal contributions, ahead of names like Pulisic, Amoura, and Bowen.
Vinícius, meanwhile, ranked 40th. Numbers don’t lie – Marmoush had the more impactful year.
7. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)
Rodri’s injury meant Caicedo stepped up as arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world last season.
Chelsea’s qualification for the Champions League and strong Club World Cup showing owed much to his brilliance. A shortlist without him feels incomplete.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or is as much about reputation as it is about form – and that’s why Vinícius Júnior has made it again. But based on the 2024/25 season alone,
it’s hard to argue he deserved it more than Musiala, Isak, or Caicedo.
👉 Who do you think was the biggest snub? Let us know in the comments!