The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with two standout stars, Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona and Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain, emerging as top contenders. As football fans eagerly await the ceremony on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the debate intensifies: who will claim the most prestigious individual award in football? This article compares their performances, stats, and chances, diving into key factors like individual brilliance, team success, and decisive moments.
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm. The Barcelona winger has dazzled with his creativity, dribbling, and consistency, making him a strong candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Here’s why Yamal is in the conversation:
Yamal played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble, securing La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España. Across 55 games, he contributed 18 goals and 25 assists, showcasing his flair and impact.
Despite Barcelona’s exit in the semi-finals against Inter Milan, Yamal’s performances were jaw-dropping. He completed 20 dribbles over two legs, scored once, and hit the woodwork three times, earning praise as potentially the best 17-year-old ever.
His youth, combined with his starring role in major trophies and memorable moments against top teams like Inter, makes him a fan and jury favorite. If Barcelona had gone further in Europe, his case would be even stronger.
Yamal’s narrative as a rising star, often compared to legends like Lionel Messi, adds weight to his candidacy. However, the lack of a Champions League title and Barcelona’s absence from the 2025 Club World Cup might hinder his chances.
Ousmane Dembélé, the 28-year-old French winger, has finally unlocked his potential at Paris Saint-Germain, positioning himself as the current favorite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Here’s a breakdown of his case:
Dembélé has delivered 26 goals and 5 assists in 2025 alone, including two hat-tricks. His Champions League contributions are standout: a goal and assist against Arsenal, two assists versus Aston Villa, a crucial goal at Anfield against Liverpool, and five goals against Brest in the play-offs.
With PSG reaching the final and defeating Inter Milan 5-0, Dembélé’s two assists and a brilliant back-heel to spark a goal showcased his leadership and clutch performance. A potential UCL win could seal his claim.
Consistency, high goal output, and decisive moments in Europe’s premier competition give him an edge. His Ligue 1 and potential Serie A winner’s medals (from his time at Napoli earlier) bolster his trophy haul.
Critics note that Ligue 1’s perceived weaker competition might discount his stats, but his Champions League heroics make a compelling argument.
The Ballon d’Or criteria focus on three pillars: individual brilliance, team achievements, and sportsmanship.
Upcoming events like the Nations League and the Club World Cup (June 14-July 13, 2025) could also influence votes, especially if Yamal shines for Spain or Dembélé excels for PSG.
As of June 3, 2025, bookmakers favor Ousmane Dembélé, with odds around 2.63, slightly ahead of Lamine Yamal at 2.38. Dembélé’s Champions League success and consistent output make him the frontrunner, especially if PSG’s victory holds weight. However, Yamal’s extraordinary talent at 17, combined with Barcelona’s domestic dominance, keeps him in close contention. Some argue the award should reward year-long excellence, not just one final, giving Yamal a shot.
