Barcelona Star Backs Lamine Yamal in Ballon D’or Race With PSG Rival | OneFootball

The Ballon d’Or conversation will soon ramp up with the 2025-26 set to start this month. Regarding the favorite to win the award, the dialogue is between PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé and FC Barcelona standout Lamine Yamal.

Dembélé had an impressive 2024-25 season, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists in 53 appearances for the capital club. He was also a key part of the team that won the treble, including the UEFA Champions League.

As for Yamal, the teenager put up strong numbers as well. Last season, he recorded 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games for the Spanish side last season. The Barcelona player also helped his team win the league title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España, strengthening his case.

Barcelona standout comments on Ballon d’Or race

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Over the next few months, many will be asked who should win the award, and obviously, players on Barcelona and PSG will want to see their teammate lift the honor. Gavi recently spoke with Diario AS and stated his desire to see Yamal win the award.

“I hope he will win,” Gavi said (h/t Le10Sport). “If he doesn’t win this year, he is 18 years old and very young. Being among the favorites is something unique. I’m happy with what he is doing with us. He is an incredible player. He improves day by day. He is amazing in training. He must keep going like this, with that mindset, and I’m sure that if he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or this year, he will win many more in the future.”