The fallout from Ousmane Dembele’s 2025 Ballon d’Or victory continues to spark debate. While many fans celebrated the Paris Saint-Germain star’s historic achievement, not everyone was impressed — particularly the father of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Speaking to Spanish media after the ceremony in Paris, Yamal’s father expressed his frustration with the decision to award the prize to Dembele over his 18-year-old son.
“It is strange. My son is the best in the world, and everyone knows it. He has proven it on the pitch, week in and week out,” he said, insisting that Yamal’s record-breaking season should have been enough to secure the trophy.
Yamal enjoyed a breathtaking 2024/25 campaign, scoring 46 goals in 61 matches and leading Barcelona to the La Liga title. The teenager was also named La Liga Young Player of the Season and was considered the closest challenger to Dembele for football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Dembele, however, won the award after inspiring PSG to a treble-winning season, with 51 goal involvements across all competitions and a decisive role in their maiden UEFA Champions League triumph.
Despite the controversy, Yamal himself has remained silent on the issue, choosing instead to congratulate Dembele publicly after the ceremony.
The debate has ignited discussions across the football world, with many split on whether experience or raw talent should determine the “best player in the world” title.
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✍️ Written by Abdul Noah Ocholi for Sports Market International
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