2025 Pallone d'Oro finalists announced

The annual Pallone d'Oro award features several notable Italian players and coaches among its nominees.

Pallone d'Oro 2025 finalists include Italian coaches and players

The 2025 Pallone d'Oro nominees have been announced, showcasing a mix of Italian talent across various categories. The award, established by France Football to honor the world's best players, now incorporates multiple categories including Best Coach and Best Young Player. Among the standout nominees are Italian coaches Antonio Conte and Enzo Maresca competing for the Johan Cruyff Award, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a contender for the Yashin Trophy. Notably, young players like Kenan Yildiz of Juventus are being recognized in the race for the Kopa Trophy, further emphasizing the growing prominence of Italian talents in global football.

The inclusion of several Italians among the Pallone d'Oro nominees highlights a potential resurgence for Italy in the football world. With strong performances from domestic league players, both young and experienced, there exists a renewed sense of optimism in Italian football. However, the absence of Italian clubs in the Best Club category raises concerns about the country's competitiveness on the European stage. This dichotomy reflects both the achievements of individual players and the ongoing challenges that Italian teams face in international competitions.

Highlights

The recognition for Italian players signals a pivotal year for the nation's football fortunes.