Aleksandar Pavlovic, Bayern Munich midfielder, has made it clear that his greatest ambition is to win the Ballon d'Or. The young German, who arrived at the club after the incorporation of Vincent Kompany, has gone from alternating between the first team and the reserve team to becoming a key part of the squad. In the 2024-25 season, Pavlovic made 33 appearances in a Bayern shirt, and the previous campaign saw the Munich team triumph in the Bundesliga and the German Cup, as well as reaching the Champions League final.
Pavlovic's rise was fueled by Kompany's style of play, which requires midfielders to move into interior positions and sometimes even take on full-back roles. In 44 games with the club, the player scored four goals and provided two assists, although his contribution goes far beyond the numbers. His ability to recover balls, distribute the game and maintain pressure has been fundamental for the team's defensive solidity.
Despite his success at club level, Pavlovic had a disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup with the German national team. The midfielder was criticized by former captain Philip Lahm, who noted that “the midfield has been especially unstable” and that Pavlovic “does not occupy the best positions on the field.” Germany was eliminated in the round of 16 against Paraguay, and the player's performance fell far short of expectations.
Manchester City's interest in Pavlovic, who were looking for a replacement for Rodri, has also been mentioned in the media. The player, who measures 1.87 meters and shares physical and style characteristics with the Spaniard, rejected the offer from the English club. When asked about comparisons with Rodri, Pavlovic responded that “everyone knows that Rodri is a top-level defensive midfielder” and that being compared to him honors him. He added that these comparisons motivate him to pursue his dream of winning the Ballon d'Or one day, although he is not currently among the main candidates.
With a goal and two assists in the first eight games of the season, Pavlovic continues to establish himself as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe. His career at Bayern and his vision for the future suggest that he will continue to grow in importance both at club and national team, and that the Ballon d'Or could be closer than it seems.