Inter Milan captain and Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez has been ranked 20th in this year`s Ballon d`Or awards. This marks his fourth nomination for the prestigious accolade, with his highest placement being 7th in the previous year.
The official Ballon d`Or X account revealed Martinez`s position in the 2025 edition. This follows a solid season where the striker played a crucial role in Inter`s journey to the Champions League final and their second-place finish in Serie A.
Inter`s Star Striker Slides Down the Rankings
Martinez`s drop from 7th to 20th place represents a significant shift in his standing among the world`s top footballers. However, this decline should not be interpreted solely as a critique of his recent performances. Rather, it reflects the exceptional achievements of other players in the past year and the incredibly high standards set in global football.
The 2024 season saw Martinez score an impressive 24 goals in Serie A, compared to 12 in the most recent campaign. Additionally, his contributions to Argentina`s Copa America victory, Inter`s Scudetto win, and his individual accolades as Serie A Footballer of the Year and MVP played a significant role in his higher ranking last year.
Despite the lower placement, Martinez`s consistent presence in the Ballon d`Or nominations – four times in five years – is a testament to his enduring quality and impact on the pitch. The Inter Milan forward will undoubtedly be aiming to climb the rankings in the coming season and secure another nomination for this prestigious award.