Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is on the brink of football history, with the chance to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.
Standing in his way is former Barça forward Ousmane Dembele, who led Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory last season.
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Yamal’s Record-Breaking Chance
If Lamine Yamal lifts the award on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, he will surpass the legendary Ronaldo Nazario, who was 21 when he won in 1997.
Now just 18, Yamal’s remarkable 2024/25 season saw him register 18 goals and 25 assists for Barcelona, while also inspiring their La Liga title triumph.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal admitted the prospect excites him but stressed he remains grounded:
“Winning the Ballon d’Or at the age of 18 would be something incredible, but if it doesn’t come now, I’m going to keep working to improve every day.”
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Dembele’s Redemption Story
While Yamal chases history, Dembele has emerged as the frontrunner after a phenomenal campaign with PSG. The Frenchman scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 appearances, powering his team to European success.
Once criticized for inconsistency, Dembele has reinvented himself in Paris and now stands on the verge of football’s greatest individual prize.
Backed by Flick’s Guidance
Yamal credits Barcelona coach Hansi Flick for instilling confidence and allowing him to flourish.
“Flick gives me a lot of confidence and tells me to enjoy, to be brave, and not to lose my essence of play,” Yamal said.
That trust has helped the teenager not only shine domestically but also step up for Spain, where he has already won 23 caps, scoring six goals and assisting 12.
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World Cup Dreams Await
Looking ahead, Yamal insists his ultimate goal remains team success — especially the 2026 World Cup with Spain.
“Winning a World Cup is the dream of any footballer,” he explained. “It would be something historic, but we have to go step by step with humility.”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente echoed that admiration, praising Yamal’s maturity and professionalism despite his young age:
“He started with us at 16 years old and has shown incredible maturity. He handles the pressure naturally and with admirable control.”
What Next Before Paris?
The countdown to September 22 is on, with both Yamal and Dembele expected to feature prominently on awards night in Paris.
Whether history favors the Spanish prodigy or the French forward enjoying his renaissance, this year’s Ballon d’Or promises a dramatic conclusion to one of football’s most captivating storylines.
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