The Ballon d’Or 2025 is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in years. With no World Cup or European Championship to sway voters, the spotlight shines entirely on club football. And two names dominate the conversation: Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal.
Both have had sensational seasons, dazzling fans with skill, consistency, and game-changing moments. Yamal is the teenage prodigy rewriting the history books, while Dembélé is the comeback king, finally fulfilling the immense promise that has followed him his entire career. It feels like destiny that their stories collide in this year’s Ballon d’Or debate.
Let’s break down their seasons, their stats, and why. For all Yamal’s brilliance, the scales might just tip in favor of Ousmane Dembélé.
Lamine Yamal: The Teenage Sensation
At only 18, Lamine Yamal has done what many veterans could only dream of. Barcelona trusted him not just as a squad player but as a cornerstone of their attack. He played more than 50 games across competitions, logging over 4,000 minutes, a staggering number for a teenager still technically in his development years.
His numbers speak volumes: close to 20 goals and nearly as many assists across all competitions. In La Liga alone, Yamal posted 9 goals and 13 assists, consistently producing against top opposition. His dribbling, speed, and fearless approach to defenders made him a nightmare to mark. He wasn’t simply playing; he was dictating games, creating chaos in the final third, and forcing managers to re-draw tactical plans around him.
But beyond numbers, his maturity is what shocks most observers. He looks like he belongs at this level. His decision-making, composure in big games, and ability to rise to pressure situations; such as El Clásico or title-deciding fixtures, all point to a player far ahead of his years.
The argument for Yamal is compelling: he represents the future, yet he’s already dominating the present. A Ballon d’Or at 18 would be historic, a true statement that football has entered a new era.
Ousmane Dembélé: The Season of Redemption
On the other side stands Ousmane Dembélé, a man whose career has been defined as much by injuries and missed chances as by flashes of brilliance. But this season, he has silenced every doubt. At 28, Dembélé delivered the most complete season of his career, and perhaps of any winger in the world right now.
For Paris Saint-Germain, he racked up an extraordinary tally: over 30 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. In the Champions League, he shone brightest, contributing decisively in knockout rounds and inspiring PSG to lift their first European crown in years. Those who watched him week in, week out know his influence went beyond statistics, it was the way he dictated tempo, stretched defenses, and stepped up in clutch moments.
Winning the UEFA Player of the Season award has already cemented his campaign as unforgettable. For many voters, that alone puts him at the top of the Ballon d’Or list.
The narrative is irresistible too: a once-fragile talent reborn into a relentless match-winner. Dembélé didn’t just play well; he dragged PSG to greatness.
Why Dembélé Might Edge Yamal
While Yamal’s season has been incredible, there are strong reasons why Dembélé might still have the advantage when the votes are counted:
- Champions League Glory: Voters rarely overlook success in Europe’s most prestigious competition. Dembélé played a starring role in PSG’s triumph, something Barcelona couldn’t replicate.
- Big-Game Influence: Yamal has shone in many domestic fixtures, but Dembélé owned the spotlight on the biggest stage: Champions League semi-finals, finals, decisive league matches. Those clutch moments matter enormously.
- Consistency Over the Entire Season: While Yamal had a few quiet spells, Dembélé produced constantly across competitions, with barely a dip in form.
- Redemption Storyline: Ballon d’Or often rewards not just performance but narrative. Dembélé’s rise from injury-prone nearly-man to continental conqueror is a story voters will find hard to ignore.
- Goal Contribution Volume: When comparing raw numbers, Dembélé simply delivered more. His goals and assists stack higher across the board, especially in decisive matches.
The Verdict
This race feels like it has come down to two different footballing truths: the youthful promise fulfilled early versus the veteran who has finally cashed in on years of talent.
If the Ballon d’Or were a vote for the future, Yamal might already have his hands on it. But the award is about the season that just passed. And this season, Ousmane Dembélé has the more complete case: higher numbers, more silverware, and bigger moments.
Still, football is never that straightforward. Voters are swayed by emotion, by stories, by the magic of seeing an 18-year-old light up La Liga. Could Yamal sneak it? Absolutely. And that’s why September’s ceremony feels so unmissable.
For now, though, Dembélé remains the favorite, just.
FAQs
Yes, though it would be unprecedented. Yamal has the stats, the influence, and the narrative of a teenage wonder. If voters want to reward the story of football’s new era, he could edge it.
Because he combined personal excellence with team success at the highest level. His Champions League performances and PSG’s historic triumph give him a stronger all-round case.
Extremely. While domestic leagues matter, the Champions League often decides close races. It’s where the world watches, and voters give extra weight to standout displays there.
If anything, it strengthens his case this year. His comeback narrative resonates with fans and voters alike. It shows resilience, maturity, and fulfillment of long-awaited potential.
Not at all. At his age, Yamal is almost guaranteed future Ballon d’Or wins if he maintains this trajectory. 2025 may belong to Dembélé, but Yamal’s time is coming, and likely sooner rather than later.
