Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has hailed Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal after edging him to the 2025 Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris.
Dembele, who spearheaded PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign last season, claimed football’s top individual prize ahead of Yamal and Vitinha.
Dembele’s treble-winning campaign
The Frenchman registered 37 goals and 16 assists across all competitions as PSG secured their maiden Champions League title alongside Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
His heroics left voters with little doubt as he clinched the Golden Ball at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Barcelona also enjoyed a stellar year under Yamal’s influence, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
However, their Champions League semi-final exit tilted the balance in Dembele’s favour.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Dembele lauded his teenage rival: “Lamine Yamal is an exceptional young man. A wonderful player with great maturity. I believe he will win several Ballon d’Or awards.”
Tribute to family
The PSG star also fought back tears as he thanked those closest to him. “To my mother, I want to thank you. You have always been there for me, mama,” he said.
“To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We will always be together.”
Future battle for football’s biggest prize
Dembele’s prediction for Yamal may not be far-fetched. At just 18, the Spaniard has already carved his name into football’s elite, recording five goal contributions in his first three games of the new campaign before picking up an injury.
Dembele himself has also been nursing a knock but is expected to feature when PSG host Auxerre in Ligue 1 next weekend.
