In a season defined by dominance, both at the club and international level, Nuno Mendes has emerged not only as Europe’s most complete fullback but also as a legitimate contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. His contributions to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble, including a maiden Champions League title, and his decisive role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph, make a compelling case for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
1. PSG’s Historic Treble: Mendes at the Heart
🏆 Champions League Triumph
Mendes was instrumental in PSG’s first-ever Champions League victory. Playing every knockout round match, he:
Scored twice in the quarter-finals against Aston Villa.
Locked down dangerous wingers like Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
Provided the balance and width that allowed PSG’s fluid attack to flourish under Luis Enrique.
In the final against Inter Milan (5–0), while Desire Doué won Player of the Match, Mendes’s consistent two-way performance kept PSG defensively unshaken and tactically flexible.
🇫🇷 Domestic Domination
Paris Saint-Germain also completed a domestic treble:
Ligue 1 champions with a strong lead.
Coupe de France winners.
Trophée des Champions winners.
Mendes’s reliability on the left flank contributed to the fewest goals conceded in Ligue 1 and gave PSG a transition edge in every game.
2. Nations League Glory with Portugal
Mendes’s stunning season didn’t end at club level. With Portugal, he played a key role in their 2025 UEFA Nations League title:
In the final against Spain, Mendes:
Scored the equalizer.
Shut down rising star Lamine Yamal.
Assisted Cristiano Ronaldo during the penalty shootout.
Over the tournament, he logged:
948 minutes (most by any player),
6 assists (tournament leader),
1 goal and a 90% passing accuracy.
He was deservedly awarded Player of the Tournament, leading Portugal to victory at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
3. The Complete Modern Fullback
Mendes represents the modern breed of fullbacks who can do everything:
🔐 Defensively:
One-on-one duels against elite wingers? Dominated.
Tactical positioning and interceptions? Elite level.
Discipline under pressure? Unmatched for his age.
⚔️ Offensively:
4 Champions League goals (most by a defender in 2024–25).
Created width and overloads on the left to support Doué.
His crossing accuracy and combination play were vital to PSG’s attacking patterns.
4. Recognition & Accolades
Champions League Team of the Season
UEFA Nations League Team of the Finals
Nations League MVP
Consistently ranked among the top 3 defenders in Europe by UEFA and multiple football analytics outlets.
At just 22 years old, Mendes has elevated his game beyond expectations.
5. The Ballon d’Or Case: It’s Not Just About Goals
While attackers often dominate the Ballon d’Or conversation, 2025 may mark a turning point:
Mendes won everything available to him—domestic league, domestic cups, Champions League, and Nations League.
He excelled in the biggest games, notching goals, assists, and critical defensive stops.
He was recognized individually as a top performer in every competition.
In a year with no singularly dominant forward, Mendes stands out for his consistency, excellence, and impact on winning trophies.
Conclusion
Nuno Mendes’s 2024–25 season is a case study in complete football. He defended with authority, attacked with intelligence, and lifted trophies with both PSG and Portugal. His performances weren’t just good—they were decisive. If the Ballon d’Or is about rewarding the best footballer across a full year, it’s time the spotlight shone on the game’s most complete left-back.
Nuno Mendes deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
