Ousmane Dembele vs Lamine Yamal Ballon d'Or 2025 Debate - Goals, Trophies & Stats Compared

The 2025 Ballon d’Or debate is heating up, and two of the names in the conversation are Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Both had great seasons, leaving fans and journalists split over who made the stronger case.

The award, set to be handed out in Paris, is once again fueling conversations across Europe. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in the race, the spotlight has shifted to players shaping the new era. And when it comes to goals, trophies, and influence on the pitch, Dembélé and Yamal are right at the center of the discussion.

Dembélé finally put together the kind of consistent season many expected from him years ago, delivering titles and becoming a key figure for his club. Yamal, meanwhile, took another step in his rapid rise at Barcelona, breaking records and carrying responsibility far beyond his age.

Ousmane Dembélé vs. Lamine Yamal: Who Had the Better Season?

Dembélé was a key figure in the Champions League, playing 15 matches, scoring 8 goals, and adding 6 assists. His performances helped his team lift silverware and earned him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award.

Yamal, meanwhile, shined mostly in La Liga. In 31 matches, he scored 9 goals and set up 13 more, becoming the league’s top assist provider. He also completed 138 successful dribbles — more than any other player in Europe’s top leagues — and was recognized as La Liga’s Best Under-23 Player for the season.