With just two weeks left until the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22, anticipation is building across Europe.
The event, set to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, already has two clear frontrunners – Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s very own wonderkid, Lamine Yamal.
Although voting has already closed and is being kept secret by France Football, debates are raging in Spain.
Many believe that the Ballon d’Or belongs to Barcelona’s teenage sensation, who has dazzled the football world this year with his maturity, creativity, and match-winning performances.
Mbappe’s take on this year’s favourite
From France, though, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe made headlines by backing the PSG star, who was key to his side’s historic treble during the 2024/25 season.
He revealed, “Ousmane Dembele deserves it. For me, yes. I hope he wins the Ballon d’Or. I have supported him from the beginning. Then, we’ll see what happens.
“Because it does not depend on us. There are votes. Achraf will also be well-positioned for everything he has shown. He has had a historic season.
Mbappe has backed Ousmane DembeleReal Madrid superstar backs French teammate for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“Lamine Yamal is from Barcelona, we can’t say anything. He’s a very good player.”
Mbappe’s comments may have been in favour of Dembele, but they also showed the respect Lamine Yamal has already earned worldwide.
At just 18, the Barcelona forward is carrying the hopes of the club into the Ballon d’Or conversation – something no other teenager has managed at this level in recent history.
A victory for Yamal would be about more than individual recognition. It would represent the strength of La Masia and proof that even in the most competitive era of football, the Blaugrana continue to shape generational talents.
Lastly, Mbappe himself admitted that he dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or one day.
“Of course. It’s in everyone’s head. But it means having a good collective season.
“If I win trophies and have a good season, I want to win it too. Now I will do my best to help the team and win trophies,” he concluded.
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