Lamine Yamal and Dembélé Lead Balón de Oro Contenders

PARIS, France — The Balón de Oro ceremony will take place on September 22, 2025, with standout players vying for the prestigious award. Among the leading candidates are Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé.

Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona, has made headlines with his impressive performances throughout the 2024-2025 season. Experts are touting him as a top contender for the award, following his transformative impact on the pitch. ‘He has been the most decisive player of the past season,’ said sports analyst Rodra.

Yamal won LaLiga and played a pivotal role during the Champions League semi-finals, where he outperformed other top players like Dembélé. His style of play, characterized by dazzling dribbles, assists, and goals, has earned him wide acclaim, including from rival fans. ‘He’s become an icon for the new generation,’ added Rodra.

On the other hand, Dembélé has also had a stellar season, becoming crucial to Paris Saint-Germain‘s (PSG) success, including their 2024 Champions League victory. Yet, analysts argue that he did not reach the same impact level as Yamal. ‘Despite his key role in PSG’s title run, he lacked the same level of influence on the pitch,’ explained Rodrigo Fáez, another expert.

Furthermore, Kylian Mbappé, while recognized for scoring prowess, faces criticism for not translating goals into titles last season. Dembélé’s strong performance at PSG, where he tallied numerous goals and assists, is still overshadowed by Yamal’s significant contributions to Barcelona and beyond.

The ceremony will not only celebrate the top male and female footballers but also recognize young stars and remarkable performance in various categories. The event will be hosted by legendary footballer Ruud Gullit alongside journalist Kate Scott, further elevating its profile.

Amidst the excitement, discussions continuously build around who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted Balón de Oro this year.