Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembélé vs Yamal — Who Deserves the Crown?

Who Should Win & Why

As the finalists gear up for the grand night, here are the top contenders and general public view on who should take home the Ballon d’Or, plus opinions from both fans and podcasters.

Top Contenders

• Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) — A strong case thanks to his role in PSG’s treble, crucial contributions in key matches, goals and assists.
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) — Young, explosive, creative; he delivers in big moments and is seen increasingly as the face of the future.
• Raphinha (Barcelona) — Consistency, impact, and moments of magic; perhaps less silverware than Dembélé, but high on influence.

Other names in the mix: Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, etc.

1. Trophies count — All part of a team that won the Champions League and domestic titles. That kind of success tends to sway voters.
2. Clutch performance — Matches that define seasons (knockouts, finals) are where legends are made.
3. Overall balance — Not just goals; it's about influence, assist, creativity, how much They makes there teams better.
4. Narrative — Overcoming expectations, staying consistent, being decisive when it matters.

However, Lamine Yamal poses a very credible alternative. His age works both in his favour (breakthrough, rise) and against (relative inexperience), but if voters value flair, innovation and importance to both club & country, he could steal it.

Quotes & Opinions

• Sam, a fan in London: “Seeing Dem‑belez get the Ballon d’Or would feel just right — trophies, big moments, everything. Yamal’s great, but Dembélé earned this season.”
• Lena, Barcelona‑supporter and social media content creator: “Lamine’s magic is undeniable. When he glides past defenders, it feels like real poetry. If the voters reward style and raw impact, not just silverware, he should win.”
• Kyle, sports podcast host, The Final Whistle: “You can’t ignore the weight of a treble. Demblé’s season ticks all the boxes. If the Ballon d’Or is about peak performance and delivering when it counts, he’s the man to beat.”
• Ana, co‑host of FootyTalk Pod: “Raphinha has been stellar, but he lacks that defining success on the biggest stage this year. For me, it comes down to Demblé vs. Yamal — and I lean Yamal for the freshness and spark. But Dembélé has the more complete resume.”

Expect the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony to be a night of glamour, gratitude, and great football — in Paris, under the lights, where legends past and future collide.