Alex Iwobi tips Bukayo Saka for Ballon d’Or contention

By Monsurah Olatunji

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has voiced strong support for Bukayo Saka as a potential contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or, suggesting that an injury setback may have been the only barrier preventing his former Arsenal teammate from being in the running for football’s most prestigious individual award.

As discussions around the 2025 Ballon d’Or focus heavily on standout talents like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and Raphinha—especially with Barcelona’s recent Champions League exit clearing the path for others—Iwobi believes Saka’s talent and character set him apart.

“I think one of the things that has really helped him is that he listens, is humble, and is always ready to learn,” Iwobi said. “I think that’s really what’s helped him.”

Reflecting on the impact of Saka’s injury, Iwobi added, “I think if he didn’t get injured, he’d potentially be a Ballon d’Or nominee. I think the sky is the limit, man. He’s too cold.”

Despite missing a significant part of the season due to injury, Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s push to the Champions League semifinals and their second-place finish in the Premier League.

Iwobi’s remarks reflects the high esteem in which Saka is held among his peers and hint that, but for his injury, the Arsenal star might have been a frontrunner alongside established contenders such as Mohamed Salah.