Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

Image
In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...

How Real Madrid Could LineUp Against Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana

Real Madrid, the defending champions of the Supercopa de Espana, defeated Mallorca 3-0 on Thursday night to advance to the competition's final event in Jeddah.

Jude Bellingham, who went full Zinedine Zidane by wearing a tucked-in shirt, opened the score after a brawl in the Mallorca box, but the Canary Islanders were unsurprisingly stubborn in the semi-final and might have easily taken the lead.

In the aftermath, the 13-time domestic Super Cup champions found comfort, and if they retain their title this weekend, they would tie Barcelona's 14 victories in this competition.

Here is a possible lineup for Madrid versus their rivals in the Clasico.

Real Madrid Expected lineup vs Barcelona [4-2-3-1]

GK: Thibaut Courtois – Courtois didn't have to put in much effort to keep a clean sheet on Thursday because of Mallorca's ineffective goalkeeping. Here, the Belgian will anticipate a busier excursion.

LB: Ferland Mendy – If Ancelotti wants to switch up at left-back, he can use Fran Garcia, but he would much rather start the stronger Mendy against Lamine Yamal.

CB: Antonio Rudiger – On Thursday, David Alaba returned to the matchday squad, and the Austrian may still play a significant part this season. Rudiger won't be replaced by the elegant left-footed defender on Sunday, though.

CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – Tchouameni, who has been comfortable since dropping into Madrid's backline, is a new injury concern going into the final, but there is hope that he will be able to start.

RB: Lucas Vazquez – In the second part of the season, Raul Asencio might replace him as a right-back deputy, but on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti will continue to use experienced Vazquez.

CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde should be able to start again against Barcelona because Ancelotti has at least controlled his minutes in recent games. The Uruguayan international played 75 minutes Thursday after playing half of Madrid's Copa del Rey victory over Minera.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga is becoming into a vital member of Madrid's midfield after making significant progress this season.

LM: Vinicius Junior – Vini Jr. appears to be unable to avoid trouble at the time. After his hysterical ejection against Valencia, the Brazilian got into a heated argument with Pablo Maffeo of Mallorca on Thursday. Their history dates back to the 2020–21 campaign, when Maffeo was sent off for a vicious tackle on the star player for Real Madrid.

AM: Jude Bellingham – After a poor start to 2024–25, the English star is still scoring goals, and Ancelotti has given Bellingham the free-roaming role he thrived in the previous campaign. Barca's outstanding midfield pivot has a challenging assignment.

RM: Rodrygo – The Brazilian scored Madrid's third goal in the semi-final to cap off an incredible birthday, and even though Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz are both in the running, he should be back in the starting lineup.

ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe's first assignment on Sunday is to remain on the team! In the October El Clasico, the French player was offside eight times, the highest since December 2013 in a big European league match.

Comments

POPULAR POST ON WANDERLUSTSPORT

Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

Man City ‘new De Bruyne’ possibilities feature Cole Palmer and Ballon d’Or contender

Rashford’s representative ‘seen’ with Manchester City executives as ‘noticeable presence’ in the stands… to observe Aston Villa

Chelsea's ten-man list to take-over Maresca includes a UCL semi-finalist and two club legends

Arsenal icon Lehmann issues sack warning to Arteta following Champions League loss to PSG

Should Enzo Maresca consider benching Cole Palmer? Right now, he is the least effective player on Chelsea...

'He won't join' – Amorim clarifies reasons Gyokeres might decline summer move to Man Utd