8 Reasons Why Lamine Yamal Deserves the 2025 Ballon d'Or
- Both Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé are more than deserving of the 2025 France Football Ballon d'Or
- The rivalry between the two intensifies as they play pivotal roles in the successes of Barcelona and PSG
- The 18-year-old Lamine Yamal is on the brink of greatness and looks poised to take world football by storm
The Ballon d'Or race this year features a host of thrilling contenders, but two names shine the brightest: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona and Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain.
While both have had standout seasons, the youthful and dynamic Yamal has displayed incredible consistency and brilliance, positioning himself as a strong contender to surpass Dembélé for the prestigious award.
Source: Getty Images
Here are 8 reasons why Yamal’s rise in football could lead him to claim the Ballon d'Or in 2025:
Yamal's standout 2024/25 season
Lamine Yamal has delivered an exceptional performance this season. In 55 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, the young winger scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists, as per Transfermarkt.
His attacking contributions have been pivotal to Barcelona’s success, playing a direct role in nearly 43 goals. Such remarkable productivity at his age on such a major stage is rare, making him a standout among the top contenders.
Yamal's major trophy haul with Barcelona
Trophies are a crucial factor in Ballon d'Or voting, and Yamal has been instrumental in Barcelona's success this season.
As noted on Wikipedia, the Spanish giants secured La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in 2024/25. Claiming three major titles at such a young age showcases his talent and composure on the biggest stages.
Yamal’s legacy in the making
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal, who is reportedly dating an Argentine rapper, is already showing signs of becoming one of the most promising talents in world football.
While Ousmane Dembélé’s story is compelling in its own right, from being a rejected player at Barcelona to a treble winner with PSG, it is Yamal’s legacy in the making that is truly fascinating.
He has clinched numerous awards such as the Golden Boy in 2024 and the Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year in 2025.
Source: Getty Images
Exceptional talent, flair, and dribbling mastery
What truly distinguishes Yamal from Dembélé is his unique flair and creativity on the field.
While Dembélé is known for his explosive pace and ability to take on defenders, Yamal brings an extra dimension with his creativity and vision. His dribbling is effortless, and his skill in gliding past defenders with ease is reminiscent of some of the game's all-time greats.
Lamine Yamal's remarkable consistency
Since his breakthrough, Yamal has displayed an impressive level of consistency. Unlike many young talents who face fluctuations in form, Yamal has steadily improved since his debut.
Whether in league play or cup competitions, he has consistently stepped up when needed. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 9 goals in La Liga, 5 in the Champions League, and 2 in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
His ability to influence big games
When it comes to crucial matches, Yamal has demonstrated an impressive ability to rise to the occasion.
He scored a goal each against AS Monaco, Borrusia Dortmund, and Inter Milan during last season's Champions League. Domestically, Lamine Yamal racked up 3 goals against Real Madrid, and one versus Atletico Madrid.
Marketability and media spotlight
The biggest stars in football often capture attention beyond the pitch, and Yamal has quickly become one of the sport's most marketable — and at times, controversial — young talents.
His recent trip to Brazil and extravagant birthday celebration, where he reportedly invited over 200 guests to mark his 18th birthday, generated widespread media attention, solidifying his status as a favorite in the public eye.
Yamal doing amazing things at 18
Another key factor boosting Yamal’s chances for the 2025 Ballon d'Or is that he has impressed fans at just 18, while Dembele is considerably older.
It’s rare for a teenage talent to be so exceptional, controlling crucial games and captivating fans every week, as the Spanish youngster did last season against the likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
While Ousmane Dembélé’s story is undeniably inspiring, Lamine Yamal’s brilliance and consistency this season have propelled him into the conversation for the Ballon d'Or.
Latest Ballon d'Or rankings
YEN.com.gh recently covered the latest 2025 Ballon d'Or power rankings ahead of the official shortlist announcement on Thursday, August 7.
The current standings show Lamine Yamal making the biggest rise, while players like Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha have seen their positions drop.
Source: YEN.com.gh
