Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Dembélé Tops 2025 Ballon d’Or Race as FIFA Weighs Club World Cup Overhaul

Gianni Infantino has rejected Real Madrid’s request for a biennial tournament cycle.

Ousmane Dembélé fue figura del PSG campeón de la Champions League y subcampeón del Mundial de Clubes
FIFA se plantea la organización de la próxima edición. Foto: Especial GH.
Image
Equipos clasificados al Mundial de Clubes 2029. | Fotos: AP

Overview

  • Ousmane Dembélé has overtaken rivals as the leading candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following his influential performance in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup.
  • The Athletic’s latest July ranking places Vitinha and Mohamed Salah in second and third, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal falls to fifth despite his standout club and international form.
  • Real Madrid formally requested that FIFA stage the Club World Cup every two years, a proposal that President Gianni Infantino has firmly rejected.
  • FIFA is evaluating a future expansion of the tournament to 48 teams and has already begun planning the next edition scheduled for 2029.
  • The 2025 tournament faced underwhelming ticket sales, dynamic pricing discounts up to 84% and protests over host-city immigration policies despite record prize money and global streaming.