The 22nd of September 2025 will see the awarding of the Ballon d'Or at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, an event that promises to be the focal point of the football world. As the date approaches, rumors about the candidates are starting to take shape, and among the names that resonate strongly are Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, both standout players for FC Barcelona.
The Ballon d'Or is based on three fundamental criteria that guide the voting of an international jury of journalists: individual performance, collective success, and 'fair play'. Both Dembélé and Yamal have proven to be leaders in their respective teams, giving them a solid foundation to be considered for the nominee list.
Recently, in an interview with Juanma Castaño for Cope, Lamine Yamal reflected on the relevance of the upcoming match between Spain and France in the Nations League. When asked if the outcome of this match could influence the Ballon d'Or voting, Yamal responded with surprising maturity for his age. "If you were voting for the Ballon d'Or, would you vote for the best of the year or for the one who won Thursday's match?", he posed, making it clear that his focus is on long-term performance rather than a single match.
Yamal continued to express his confidence in the team but reaffirmed his stance: "I would vote for the best player of the year". This statement not only reflects his personal ambition but also his commitment to the game and the desire to enjoy the process without obsessing over individual awards.
The conversation became more interesting when Castaño asked Yamal if he considered himself the best player of the year. With a cheeky smile, the young talent replied: "The best player of the year, but I’ll keep that to myself". This response demonstrates not only his humility but also his focus on teamwork and collective success.
Yamal concluded his remarks with a profound reflection: "I don’t think about the trophy, I think about playing and winning. If next year I win the Champions League and the World Cup, then it will come. I believe that what you have to do is enjoy and let it come when it’s meant to". Undoubtedly, these words resonate with the philosophy of FC Barcelona, where teamwork and excellence are the norm.
With the Ballon d'Or presentation just around the corner, Barça fans eagerly await to see if their stars will receive the recognition they deserve. The battle for the prestigious award is more alive than ever, and Dembélé and Yamal are names that cannot be overlooked.