Ballon d’Or 2025: Stoichkov tips PSG duo to rival Yamal for award

Former Bulgarian footballer, Hristo Stoichkov, has identified two Paris Saint-Germain stars, Vitinha and Marquinhos, as potential challengers to Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.

Stoichkov also tipped Yamal to win the prestigious individual prize, stating that the Spain international possesses a lot of qualities.

“If Yamal wins [this year’s Ballon d’Or], I will give it to him personally,” Stoichkov told Carrusel Deportivo (via GOAL).

“I really enjoy watching Yamal because he has so many interesting qualities.

“If you tell me that Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos is the one to [challenge Yamal], I would believe you too.

“We also have Vitinha, who has also played fantastically this season.”

Yamal clinched both the LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, while Marquinhos and Vitinha secured a treble—Ligue 1, French Cup, and UEFA Champions League—with PSG.

Ballon d’Or 2025: Stoichkov tips PSG duo to rival Yamal for award