The build-up to the 2025 Ballon d’Or has been intense as fans are dissecting every little sign and clue that might point to who will win. And all the reports and speculation have been about Barcelona ’s young star Lamine Yamal.
Throughout the day, many reports leaks and hints have all pointed to Barcelona’s talented young player as the winner.
The most recent hint arrived only a few hours before the ceremony, when Goal reported on Instagram that the official Ballon d’Or account had followed Yamal.
Yes, it’s a small thing but the account didn’t follow Ousmane Dembélé, it’s the kind of thing fans have become used to over time and it fits with the growing feeling that Yamal will win.
Lamine Yamal is 18 years old but he’s already making a big impact at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team. He’s already one of the most promising young players in the game after a string of performances in the 2024–25 season in La Liga and the Champions League.
Yamal had an incredible season in which he scored 21 goals and 22 assists to help Barcelona win a domestic treble. He has been compared to football icons and being part of the Ballon d'Or debate is evidence of his quick ascent through the ranks in football.
Also, if Lamine Yamal wins today, he will make history and become the youngest ever to win the Ballon d’Or.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or event is now taking place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with the official ceremony for this year kicking off at 9:00 PM local time (3:00 PM ET and 12:00 PM PT in the U.S.) and the name of the winner will not be revealed until two hours later.
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