Dembele Aims for Ballon d’Or, Praises Rising Star Yamal

PARIS, France — Ousmane Dembele, the Paris Saint-Germain star, expressed his admiration for former Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal during a recent interview. As Dembele eyes the prestigious Ballon d’Or, he reflected on his transformative season and Yamal’s remarkable talent.

Dembele has had a standout campaign, scoring 33 goals across all competitions, the best of his career. This individual success comes as PSG dominates French football and makes strides in Europe, leading to discussions about Dembele’s candidacy for the annual accolade awarded to the world’s best soccer player.

During the interview, Dembele, who has never before been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, shared his hopes. “I hope to be among the 30 nominees already,” he said with a smile. “I’ve had some difficult years with injuries, but this season I think I’ve performed well.” He acknowledged that being considered a favorite feels like a victory in itself, though he dreams of winning the award one day.

Dembele has experienced Yamal’s exceptional skills firsthand, noting that discussions surrounding the young Spaniard began early in his career. “When he arrived at the professional level, we understood he was exceptional,” Dembele recalled, highlighting Yamal’s ability to dribble, shoot, and score during training.

The 17-year-old Yamal concluded the season with impressive numbers: 18 goals and 21 assists, dazzling opponents and fans alike. His playstyle, characterized by swift movements and technical flair, has already made a significant impact.

When asked about the significance of winning the Ballon d’Or, Dembele reflected deeply. “It’s something you dream about when you’re little,” he said. “The object alone, the ball, is exceptional.” His passion for the game is evident as he aspires to reach the peak of soccer accolades.

On the other hand, Yamal’s future prospects are being discussed by many, including former soccer great Marco van Basten. Van Basten believes that the young talent should play more centrally to increase his influence on the game. “It’s actually a shame that he plays right wing because he doesn’t get the ball enough,” he stated, suggesting that a central position would enhance Yamal’s abilities.

With discussions on both players’ futures continuing, excitement builds as they aim for even greater successes in the seasons to come.