Ballon d’Or 2025: Is Lamine Yamal the deserving champion, or is it Ousmane Dembélé

The conversation of 2025 Ballon d’Or has taken the first seat in the heart of football lovers. The fans are split between two names: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé. Both players delivered standout performances throughout the season — but only one can take home the game’s most prestigious individual honour.

At 17 years old, Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has become the face of a rejuvenated FC Barcelona. With critical goals, calm under pressure, sharp in vision, and magical with the ball at his feet, Barcelona clinched the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España.
   What truly enhanced his case was his performance in the UEFA Nation League semi-final against France a few days ago. In a thrilling 5-4 victory for Spain, Yamal scored two exceptional goals and delivered a performance that had the critics call him “Ballon d’Or-worthy.”

His performance earned him the Man of the Match award and also solidified his status as one of the brightest talents in world football. Many believe this performance may tip the Ballon d’Or scales in his favor. His ability to perform in high-stakes matches at such a young age underscores his immense potential and his maturity on the field, goal-scoring finesse have drawn comparisons to legends of the game.

   Ousmane Dembélé had a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, playing a crucial role in the club, which included the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph. While Yamal impressed domestically, Ousmane Dembélé, as a senior figure at PSG conquered Europe.
  

His stats are impeccable — 33 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. His performance in the Champions League final was particularly significant, where he delivered two assists and dictated the pace in PSG’s commanding 5-0 win over Inter Milan. Even Kylian Mbappé, despite being sidelined during PSG’s victory, publicly supported Dembélé as “the rightful Ballon d’Or winner.”

   On the other hand, Raphinha had been a silent contributer throughout the season. Though not in the direct Ballon d’Or conversation, but his partnership with Yamal provided balance to Barcelona and allowed the youngster to thrive.  Although his stats don’t match Yamal or Dembélé, Raphinha’s leadership and experience played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in Barca’s success.

Dembélé has the stats, the experience, and the Champions League. Yamal has the raw brilliance, domestic dominance, and the potential fairy-tale story of a teenage Ballon d’Or winner.
If the award leans toward team achievements, Dembélé might edge it. But if individual impact, youth breakthrough Yamal could make history.

Who will it be? The future… or the present? Will Lamine Yamal Outshine Ousmane Dembélé?