Who Deserves the Ballon d’Or More — Yamal or Dembélé?

As the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or intensifies, two footballers out of every other contender have been on the lips of every football lover. Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and France’s seasoned winger Ousmane Dembélé. 

Both have surprised fans this season, but for very different reasons. With Yamal’s recent heroics pushing him into the spotlight, the question of who deserves it more is now wide open.

Yamal – A teenager lighting up the biggest stages

At just 17, Lamine Yamal has already carved out moments that players twice his age dream of. His latest masterpiece came in Spain’s thrilling 5-4 victory over France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final. 

Under immense pressure, Yamal delivered two goals and an assist, driving La Roja into the final and earning the Man of the Match award.

That performance was more than just numbers on the scoreboard. It was a statement Yamal showed composure beyond his years, repeatedly slicing through France’s defence with pace and creativity. 

His ability to influence matches on the grandest stage has now catapulted him to the top of many Ballon d’Or shortlists.

Adding to that, Yamal already boasts LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona this season. If he maintains this form through the Nations League final and the rest of the year, he could make history as the youngest player ever to win the prestigious award.

Dembélé – Star with a silverware

On the other side of this debate stands Ousmane Dembélé, a player whose 2025 campaign has been defined by consistency and silverware. The French winger enjoyed a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the club secure the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France titles.

Dembélé’s impact across competitions cannot be overlooked. His pace, dribbling, and ability to break down defences were pivotal to PSG’s continental success. Winning the Champions League, in particular, is often seen as a decisive factor in Ballon d’Or discussions and Dembélé’s name had been leading the race before the recent Nations League drama.

However, during the semi-final clash with Spain, Dembélé struggled to match Yamal’s brilliance. 

Despite coming close with a powerful shot that rattled the post, he failed to find the back of the net and was substituted in the second half as France chased the game. One off night, though, hardly erases a season full of decisive moments in Europe’s toughest arenas.

Two paths to the same prize

So, who deserves the Ballon d’Or more, the youthful Yamal or the experienced Dembélé?

Yamal’s case is built on jaw-dropping talent and the ability to shine when it matters most. Dembélé’s claim rests on an outstanding season packed with trophies and vital contributions at the highest level of club football.

As the final months of the year unfold, both players still have opportunities to strengthen their case. Yamal could etch his name into history with more standout performances, while Dembélé will aim to remind the world why he was seen as the frontrunner for so long.

For now, the debate remains wide open and it’s the fans, pundits, and Ballon d’Or voters who will ultimately decide.