barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, 18, isn’t shy about his Ballon d’Or aspirations, placing himself among the frontrunners alongside PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé for the 2025 award. However,in a surprising twist,he’d gladly hand the trophy to Neymar or Lionel Messi if he doesn’t clinch it himself.
Yamal’s ambition is clear: he wants the Ballon d’Or. Speaking with Spanish broadcaster RTVE, the FC Barcelona star openly declared his desire to capture the prestigious individual honor in 2025. He’s considered a top contender, rivaled by France’s Ousmane Dembélé, who has enjoyed considerable success with PSG, save for a Club World Cup title.
“Neymar Deserved One”
When questioned about his Ballon d’or pursuit, Yamal initially deflected, expressing his primary goal of winning the Champions League. yes, both,
he conceded, adding the Ballon d’Or to his wish list. The two are a dream, especially for Barça, the Champions League would be incredible. obviously, the Ballon d’Or, all the players want to win it, and those who say the opposite are lying. Being there at 18, I think it is something to value, and I hope it will happen.
But if Yamal isn’t the chosen one, he wouldn’t cast his vote for Dembélé. Instead, he named two other “favorites,” albeit players whose chances this year are slim: Neymar and Messi,
he stated. I would give one to ‘Ney’. I think he deserves it. The ‘Ney’ of the time he played at Barça or in Paris, would no doubt win it today. I would have liked him to win one, and Messi too, of course, because it is the best in history.
This sentiment echoes the respect many young players have for veterans who shaped the modern game, similar to how NBA rookies often defer to seasoned All-Stars.
Yamal shares a close bond with Neymar – the former Barcelona icon now playing in Santos, Brazil – having spent time at Neymar’s home in Brazil.in January, he revealed that the Brazilian star has always been his idol. I was 5 years old when I saw him in Santos, 7 years old when I saw him in person at FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. It was incredible to see him. Yes, it is indeed true that there was Messi who was also incredible. But he was something completely different. Neymar was always my idol. He is a star, a legend of football,
he told CNN. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) currently holds the record for Ballon d’Or wins with eight.
The Ballon d’or selection process, determined by a panel of 100 journalists representing the top 100 FIFA nations, considers three key criteria: individual performance, collective achievements and trophies won, and overall class and fair play. This system aims to provide a balanced assessment, mitigating potential biases and ensuring that the award reflects a player’s holistic contribution to the sport. while some argue that the journalist voting system is subjective, it remains the standard for recognizing excellence in global soccer.
In a sport often dictated by fleeting moments and the pressure to perform, the ambition of a young player like Lamine Yamal to earn football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or, shines through. while challenging the established order is a testament to his self-belief,his deference towards his heroes,Neymar and Lionel Messi,offers a compelling perspective on the game’s generational shift and the enduring power of legacy. The 2025 Ballon d’Or race is undoubtedly heating up.
2025 Ballon d’Or Contenders: A Comparative Overview
To further understand Yamal’s position and the broader landscape of the Ballon d’or race, here’s a comparative look at some of the top contenders, including Yamal himself. This is based on their current performance and potential for the coveted award. Note that the data is reflective of the current season and is subject to change.
| Player | Club | Age (as of September 3, 2025) | Key Stats/Achievements (to Date) | Ballon d’Or Chances (Estimated) | Strengths/Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamine yamal | FC Barcelona | 18 | Promising performances in La Liga and Champions League; rapidly developing talent. Has made several appearances for the spanish national team. Goals, Assists are still developing. | High Potential – Needs consistent performance, team success, and significant individual stats to cement his chances. | Strengths: Dribbling, Vision, Agility, and immense potential. Weaknesses: Youth, experience in top-level competition; consistency needed. |
| Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) | 28 | Consistent performer in ligue 1. Major success with PSG save for a Club World Cup title. | Mid-High – Success in Champions League and individual brilliance needed. | Strengths: Pace, Dribbling, Playmaking. Weaknesses: Needs to translate club form to consistent top-tier performances |
| Neymar | Santos | 33 | Legendary skills. Has earned multiple domestic titles. | Low-Mid – A strong season, coupled with extraordinary individual brilliance, but the competition is fierce. | Strengths: Dribbling, Playmaking, and a fan favorite. Weaknesses: Age, competition. |
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 38 | Record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. | low – Age, and the competition may be hard for Messi this year at Inter Miami. | strengths: Experience, Championship IQ. Weaknesses: Age, level of competition in MLS. |
This table offers a snapshot of the 2025 race and provides a fresh perspective on the potential winners, focusing on their individual skills and their chances for the upcoming Ballon d’Or.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ballon d’Or
To further enrich your understanding of football’s prestigious award, here are some frequently asked questions about the Ballon d’Or.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or (“Golden Ball”) is an annual football award presented by France Football. It recognizes the best male and female players from the previous year,judged based on individual and team performance,as well as overall behavior on the pitch.The award is considered the most prestigious individual honor in football.
Who votes for the Ballon d’or?
The ballon d’Or is voted on by a panel of journalists representing the top FIFA-ranked nations. These journalists analyze the performance of players throughout the past year, considering criteria such as individual performance, collective achievements, and fair play.
What are the main criteria for winning the Ballon d’Or?
The main criteria for determining the Ballon d’Or winner include individual performance, team achievements, and the player’s behavior and sportsmanship. Journalists also consider the player’s overall class and impact on the game.
How has the Ballon d’Or format changed over the years?
The Ballon d’Or has evolved. Previously, it was primarily for European players. Later, the eligibility was broadened to include players from all nationalities playing at clubs across the globe. The criteria and voting panel have also undergone changes to reflect the evolving nature of the sport and a wider portrayal of the world.
Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, with eight awards. This historic achievement highlights his dominance in the sport over the past two decades.
How can fans follow the Ballon d’Or?
Fans can follow the Ballon d’Or through various media outlets, including official announcements from France Football, sports news websites, social media channels, and television broadcasts. The awards ceremony is generally broadcast worldwide so fans can track the winner, key discussions, and more about this football celebration.
This FAQ section aims to provide clear and concise answers to common questions, improving the article’s search visibility and enhancing engagement around the Ballon d’Or. The answers are also designed to improve overall satisfaction with this article, building authoritativeness and trustworthiness in content.
