The recently announced 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or has ignited heated debate among football fans worldwide. Paris Saint-Germain dominate the list with an astonishing nine nominees, led by Dembele — widely tipped as a frontrunner for this year’s award. In stark contrast, the absence of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has left supporters furious and questioning the criteria behind football’s most prestigious individual prize.
PSG’s Dominance and Dembele’s Stellar Season
PSG’s remarkable presence in the shortlist reflects their supremacy in the 2024/25 campaign. Ousmane Dembele, in particular, enjoyed the best season of his career, registering 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, combining electric dribbling with consistent end product. His performances not only powered PSG to domestic and continental glory, but also cemented his status as one of the world’s elite forwards.
Fernandes Snubbed Despite Standout Performances
For Manchester United, the 2024/25 season was turbulent, yet Bruno Fernandes remained a constant beacon of creativity and leadership.
Club performance: 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, topping the Premier League in key passes and chances created from open play.
International success: Played a pivotal role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph, contributing directly to goals in both the semi-final and final.
Despite these achievements, Fernandes was overlooked, prompting widespread backlash from fans on social media. One X user, @TouchlineX, vented, “Should Bruno Fernandes have made the top 30 instead of Jude Bellingham?”
Another fan declared, “Honestly, I’ll never take the Ballon d’Or seriously again if Bruno isn’t even in the top 10.”
Selection Criteria Under Scrutiny
The Ballon d’Or takes into account individual brilliance, consistency, and impact in major competitions — with club success often playing a decisive role. Fernandes’ omission may stem from United’s lack of major silverware at club level, a factor that seemingly outweighed his exceptional personal statistics.
Nevertheless, his absence — especially when compared to some inclusions with less consistent seasons — has intensified debate over whether the Ballon d’Or prioritises team trophies over sustained individual excellence.
Sources: 24h