Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Viktor Gyökeres have been officially shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, placing them among the elite of world football. The prestigious award, organized annually by France Football, honors the best male footballer globally, taking into account performances at both club and international levels.
For Declan Rice, this marks a return to the shortlist after placing 26th in the 2024 edition. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres makes his debut among the nominees after a breathtaking campaign that turned heads across Europe. Their joint inclusion highlights Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta and signals a growing presence of Gunners players in world-class conversations.
The final Ballon d’Or winner will be determined by a global panel of journalists, with the ceremony set to crown the standout player of the 2024/25 season. For Arsenal fans, the recognition of two players in the final list is both a reward for the team’s improvement and a statement of intent going forward.
Declan Rice: Midfield Mastery Earns Global Recognition
Declan Rice’s nomination is built on a rock-solid 2024/25 campaign, where he emerged as one of Arsenal’s most consistent and influential players. At 26, the England midfielder showcased maturity, leadership, and technical excellence that helped Arsenal challenge across all competitions.
Declan Rice provided 10 assists throughout the season and was pivotal in dictating the tempo of matches, earning him Arsenal’s Player of the Season award. He was also shortlisted for both the Premier League and PFA Player of the Year honors — a testament to how impactful his performances were.
On the European stage, Rice played a starring role as Arsenal reached the late stages of the UEFA Champions League. His performances earned him a place in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s best midfielders.
Viktor Gyökeres: Goal Machine Makes Ballon d’Or Debut
While Declan Rice was a familiar name on the shortlist, the real headline is the inclusion of Viktor Gyökeres, who earns his first-ever Ballon d’Or nomination after an electrifying season with Sporting Lisbon. Before moving to Arsenal this summer, the Swedish striker scored an incredible 54 goals and delivered 13 assists across all competitions.
Gyökeres helped Sporting Lisbon secure a memorable league and cup double in Portugal, and he finished as the top scorer in the UEFA Nations League, showcasing his threat at both club and international levels. His performances not only caught the attention of scouts across Europe but also convinced Arsenal to make him their marquee summer signing.
For a player who was not even in the Ballon d’Or discussion a year ago, his meteoric rise stands as one of the most remarkable stories in European football. Now at the Emirates, Gyökeres will be expected to lead the line and deliver silverware under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
Arteta’s Arsenal: A Club on the Rise
The nominations of Declan Rice and Gyökeres underline the rapid progress Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta. While trophies have eluded the North London side in recent seasons, there’s no doubt that the Gunners are back among Europe’s elite.
The 2024/25 season saw Arsenal finish strongly in both domestic and continental competitions, with standout individual performances helping to lift the team’s overall standards. Arteta’s tactical clarity and emphasis on youth and cohesion have begun to bear fruit, and the Ballon d’Or shortlist now reflects that.
With both Rice and Gyökeres now recognized on the global stage, Arteta’s challenge will be to maintain momentum and convert individual brilliance into collective success. Arsenal’s ambitions have never been higher, and this recognition only adds fuel to the fire.
Ballon d’Or 2025: What’s at Stake for Rice and Gyökeres
The Ballon d’Or 2025 isn’t just about prestige — it’s about cementing a player’s place in football history. For Declan Rice, another strong showing could establish him as the best English midfielder of his generation. For Gyökeres, this is a breakout opportunity that could redefine his legacy.
Historically, Premier League players have struggled to clinch the award, often overshadowed by stars in La Liga or Serie A. But with performances like these and increasing EPL dominance in Europe, Rice and Gyökeres could break that trend.
The ceremony later this year will be watched closely by fans, pundits, and players alike. While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo once dominated the conversation, a new generation is rising — and Arsenal has two potential kings in waiting.
What’s Next: Gunners Prepare for Premier League Opener
With both players now enjoying global recognition, Arsenal must refocus as they prepare to kick off their 2025/26 Premier League season. Their first test? A heavyweight clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford — a fixture that offers the perfect stage for Rice and Gyökeres to make a bold opening statement.
The Gunners haven’t lifted a major trophy in three seasons, but momentum is clearly building. With world-class talent, tactical maturity, and now Ballon d’Or nominees leading the charge, Arsenal fans are dreaming again.
The road to glory is long, but if Rice and Gyökeres can carry their form into the new campaign, Arsenal could be set for one of their most memorable seasons in recent history.
