Spanish Teenage Sensation Emerges Favourite to Win Ballon d'Or Over Ousmane Dembele

If you believe the days of the Ballon d'Or making headlines were over after the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, think again. All eyes are currently on Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal, who is seen as a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or, competing against Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé. While Dembélé had an outstanding season with PSG, many football experts, analysts, and fans consider the young Barcelona sensation to be the favourite.

Lamine Yamal Emerges Favourite Over Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d'Or:

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is confident that Lamine Yamal will one day win the Ballon d'Or. The winner for this year's award will be announced at a gala in Paris on Monday. While no player has won the Ballon d'Or before turning 21, it would be surprising if Yamal doesn't break that record, as he still has three more seasons to achieve it. Currently, there is no greater talent in football than the 18-year-old Barcelona teenager, who showcased his skills in the 2024-25 season and continues to improve. He was the most impressive attacking player in Spain this past season.

The Spanish starlet Lamine Yamal only turned 18 this July, but the record he has set is quite extraordinary. Upon winning the five major trophies, that is, the Euros with Spain, the 2025 Copa del Rey, the 2025 Spanish Super Cup and two La Liga trophies (2022/23) with Barcelona. Following Ousmane Dembelé's departure to Paris Saint-Germain and Raphinha's red card against Getafe, Lamine made his Barca debut, and his consistency has now positioned him for the Ballon d’Or alongside Dembele. Eventually, Yamal became the youngest sensation to make 100 Barça appearances, score in LaLiga, score at the European Championship, play in the Euro final, score against Real Madrid in El Clásico, score in the Champions League semifinal, and so on.

Additionally, Yamal is also the youngest recipient of the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award at the age of 17. Yamal's meteoric progress has garnered increased attention. Awarding the Ballon d'Or to Lamine Yamal would not only acknowledge his exceptional individual season but also recognise the efforts of a Barcelona team in transition following Messi's departure. Yamal emerged as the offensive focal point in a squad featuring Pedri, Gavi, Raphinha, and Jules Koundé, all under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick. This demonstrates that he is capable of shouldering the responsibilities of leading a historic football club.

Ousmane Dembélé, on the other hand, had an impressive season at PSG, finding his rhythm under Luis Enrique and playing a key role in the club’s Champions League victory. However, despite Dembélé’s accomplishments, Yamal's consistent performances and significant impact on a transitional Barcelona squad give him the advantage in this year’s Ballon d’Or race.

The Past, Present and Future of the Ballon d’Or Award:

The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, presented annually by France Football magazine to the player regarded as the best in the world. The winner is determined through a dual voting system. With a record eight wins, Lionel Messi has claimed the Ballon d'Or more than any other player.

Today, awarding the Ballon d'Or 2025 to Lamine Yamal would recognise the future of football and support a young player who has the potential to lead and influence matches at the highest level. His maturity, skill, and ability to excel in a team that is rebuilding after the Messi era make him a deserving candidate.