⚽ Ballon d’Or 2025 Power Shift: Yamal Slips After Nations League Loss as Dembele Takes Lead
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race has taken a dramatic new twist — and it couldn’t have come at a worse time for Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.
After dazzling throughout the season with FC Barcelona, Yamal had the perfect chance to cement his status as the frontrunner in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final against Portugal. But under the weight of expectation, the 17-year-old couldn’t shine. Spain lost 5-3 on penalties, and Yamal’s quiet performance may have cost him dearly in the race for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Instead, the spotlight shifts back to Ousmane Dembele, who now sits atop the Ballon d’Or rankings after an incredible campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. With 35 goals, 15 assists, and a clean sweep of domestic and continental trophies — including the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions — Dembele’s case is undeniably strong.
Yamal still holds an impressive stat line (21 goals, 26 assists) and three major trophies with Barcelona, but the absence of European silverware and a national team title may weigh against him.
Meanwhile, Raphinha is making a surprise push, with a jaw-dropping 39 goals and 25 assists — also with Barcelona. Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe remain in the hunt, thanks to their goal-scoring prowess and key trophies.
Here’s how the current Ballon d’Or top 10 stacks up:
1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
6. Vitinha (PSG)
7. Nuno Mendes (PSG)
8. Desire Doue (PSG)
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
10. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
With club seasons wrapped and international tournaments heating up, the final stretch could make or break careers. One more standout moment might be all it takes to decide the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
