The 2025 Ballon d'Or shortlist has been released, and two of Europe’s breakout stars are making headlines—Viktor Gyökeres and Florian Wirtz have both been officially nominated, marking a shift in global football’s power dynamic.
Their inclusion may not come as a shock to those who followed the 2024/25 season closely, but for two relatively young stars to break into a shortlist historically dominated by global icons is a testament to how far they’ve come.
💥 Gyökeres: From Coventry to Contender
Just two years ago, Viktor Gyökeres was lighting up the Championship with Coventry City. Fast forward to now, and he’s bagged over 40 goals for Sporting CP, terrorized defenders across Europe, and reportedly secured a massive move to the Premier League.
The Swedish forward’s relentless style, elite finishing, and big-game performances have made him one of the most feared No. 9s in Europe. A Ballon d'Or nomination is just reward for his meteoric rise.
🎨 Wirtz: Germany’s Creative Genius
Florian Wirtz has had a generational season with Bayer Leverkusen, leading them to a historic Bundesliga title and an undefeated domestic campaign. The 21-year-old has combined elite vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability to establish himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
His performances at Euro 2024—where he played a crucial role in Germany’s deep run—only solidified his claim to the spotlight.
🌍 The Future Is Now
With legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Modrić entering the twilight of their careers, the rise of Gyökeres and Wirtz signals the arrival of a new generation of Ballon d’Or contenders. Their nominations reflect not just individual brilliance but also a changing of the guard in world football.
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