Ballon d’Or 2025: Lamine Yamal emerges as strong favorite, says Spanish press
The countdown to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is underway, with the event set for September 22 in Paris, France. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is currently the leading contender to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
The 18-year-old forward, who dazzled last season with 18 goals and 21 assists in 55 appearances, could make history as the youngest-ever winner of the Ballon d’Or. That record is currently held by Brazilian legend Ronaldo, who won in 1996 at the age of 20.
Yamal is competing against two other standout nominees Ousmane Dembélé, fresh from a Champions League triumph with Paris Saint-Germain, and Brazil’s Raphinha, whose decisive performances for Barcelona kept him in the spotlight throughout the campaign.
While Dembélé’s European title strengthens his case and Raphinha’s decisive moments add weight to his bid, Sport reports that Yamal’s overall impact, consistency, and attacking influence put him ahead in the race.
Some fans and pundits, however, question whether it is too soon for the young Spaniard to be crowned, especially given Barcelona’s absence from the Champions League final. Still, his 39 direct goal contributions last season underline the influence he had on both domestic and international stages.
The official winner will be revealed in Paris, with the football world watching closely to see if Lamine Yamal can break a record that has stood for nearly three decad
