Bukayo Saka has solidified his reputation as one of the best footballers in the world, and his potential placement in the upcoming Ballon d’Or rankings highlights the remarkable strides he has made this season.
At just 22 years old, the Arsenal winger has consistently delivered exceptional performances, proving his worth as a key player for both his club and country.
Statistically, Saka has been among the most consistent contributors in the Premier League, registering an impressive tally of 7 goals and 11 assists in just 19 appearances.
With Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign, Saka has risen to the challenge of leading Arsenal’s creative efforts under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta.
His versatility and ability to adapt to various tactical demands have further solidified his importance to Arsenal’s title aspirations.
Saka’s growing influence has sparked comparisons with other elite players vying for football’s most prestigious individual honor, the Ballon d’Or.
Among them is Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, whose sensational debut season in Spain saw him notch 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.
Although his numbers have dipped slightly this term, Bellingham remains a vital figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, showcasing his quality and consistency.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé also features prominently in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Despite a rocky start to his tenure with Real Madrid, the French forward has maintained his status as one of the world’s most lethal attackers, with 10 goals and two assists to his name this season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah continues to defy age, delivering 15 goals and 12 assists, underscoring his enduring value to Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Other notable names include Erling Haaland, who remains a dominant force for Manchester City with 17 goals and an assist this season, and Barcelona’s Raphinha, who has surprised many with 16 goals and 10 assists in 21 appearances.
Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid has also continued to shine, contributing 12 goals and 8 assists this season, while young prodigy Lamine Yamal is making waves at Barcelona, proving himself to be a future star at just 17 years old.
Even seasoned players like Robert Lewandowski are showing no signs of slowing down.
The Polish striker has scored 22 goals in 20 matches this season under the rejuvenating leadership of Hansi Flick at Barcelona, proving that age is just a number.
The 2024/25 season is shaping up to be thrilling, with Saka and other stars competing for global recognition.
As new talents emerge and seasoned players maintain their dominance, the race for the Ballon d’Or remains as exciting as ever.
