Kylian Mbappe has shared his thoughts on this year's Ballon d'Or contenders, excluding Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah from his list of current favourites for the coveted prize.

The 2025 award season buzzes with speculation as numerous players have delivered impressive performances.

One name dominating discussions is Ousmane Dembele, the former Barcelona star whose 33-goal haul was pivotal in Paris Saint-Germain clinching the Champions League title for the first time.

Barcelona's sensational Lamine Yamal is another heavy-hitter after an awe-inspiring season with the Spanish club.

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While Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has been a crucial figure for the Reds during their Premier League-winning campaign, Mbappe omitted the Egyptian from his top picks while acknowledging with RMC Sport: "Would I vote for Dembele.

We're talking about Yamal and Dembele, I'm going for Dembele.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo, himself a five-time Ballon d'Or victor, chimed in recently regarding Yamal's chances for the Ballon d'Or, suggesting caution before placing such demands on the young player, yet recognising him as a serious contender.

During a Portugal press conference, Ronaldo remarked: "Lamine Yamal is doing very well, he is taking full advantage of his talent.

But individual awards are irrelevant."

The Ballon d'Or 2025 is set to be awarded this September at a swanky ceremony in Paris, with the shortlist expected to be announced the month prior