French football magazine French Football has officially released a list of candidates for the 2025 Barondoor, given annually to the world’s best footballers. In an astonishing turn, Argentine legend and record-breaking Baron de Or Lionel Messi is not among the 30 finalists for this year’s award.
Now, a new generation of young talent is stepping into the spotlight, chasing the most prestigious individual honors in world football, an award that has long been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the past decade. The list of 2025 Baron deux nominations is PSG star Osmandembele, Barcelona’s Rising Sensation Raminyarmal and Club World Cup winner Cole Palmer.
Lionel Messi blows the minds of Intermiami fans with an unexpected encounter
Lionel Messi is off the list for 2025
This Thursday was the most shocking news in the world of football, with the exclusive list revealed, and names of either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi not included. But for the Argentine star, this was the second consecutive time he was not on this honorable list.
According to French Football, Lionel Messi joined the top 30 players in the world in 2023, the year he insisted on the recent Baron de Ort. The award was recognized as a historic World Cup victory in Argentina in December 2022 and a success in Intermiami in the League Cup.
One impressive detail is that Lionel Messi has been consistently included in the top 30 players in the world since his first Barondo or nomination in 2006. Surprisingly, he only missed the list twice last year in 2025, making his recent absence a remarkable and iconic moment in the evolution of the awards and the sport itself.
In fact, Lionel Messi’s trophy cabinet is filled with admiration highlighting his status as one of the greatest players in football history. Beyond his record Barondoor titles, he is the World Cup and Copa Amrica Champion, multiple MVP in major international tournaments and four UEFA Champions League winners. His long list of honors reflects a legendary career that left an unforgettable mark in the sport.
Top candidates for Barondoor or Ronaldo in 2025 without Messi and Ronaldo
What an interesting battle will be held in the 2025 Ballon d’Or winners. There, many players stand out in the club and national teams, including Osmane Dembele, Kohl Palmer, Laminyamal, Lautaro Martness, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kwichakbaratke and Kilimuyanmappe.
However, this year’s Ballon d’Or race is becoming a fiercely contested battle. Oousmane Dembl emerged as a strong favorite, closing out with the Champions League title after an outstanding season at PSG.
Cole Palmer made headlines with his impressive performances, leading his team to victory in both the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s upcoming star Ramin Yamal has stepped up his lawsuit by securing domestic highs, La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Super Cup in Spain.
