September 22, 2025 | 05:07 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ballon d’Or 2025 is ushering in a new era. After a decade dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh names are now in the spotlight: Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele.
While Dembele has impressed with PSG, leading his team to Champions League glory under Luis Enrique, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal is emerging as a strong contender for football’s most prestigious individual award. Rumor has it that Yamal has even prepared a private celebration in Paris should he claim the 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or.
Yamal arrived at the Theatre du Châtelet on Monday, September 22, 2025, accompanied by 20 family members. But what makes him a legitimate candidate for the Ballon d’Or?
An Extraordinary Season at 18
Yamal has delivered a phenomenal season with Barcelona. At just 18, he has registered 21 goals and 22 assists, playing a pivotal role in securing three domestic trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
His consistency and ability to change the outcome of games have made him one of Europe’s most dangerous young talents. Even though Barcelona fell in the Champions League semifinals to Inter Milan, Yamal’s creativity, vision, and composure drew comparisons to legends such as Messi, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.
A Symbol of Barcelona’s Revival
Beyond individual statistics, Yamal represents a new chapter for Barcelona post-Messi. Under Hansi Flick, with young stars like Pedri, Gavi, and Jules Kounde, the team has found a new leader in its frontline. Yamal embodies Barcelona’s resurgence and its investment in young talent.
Dembele, meanwhile, has also shone brightly at PSG, playing a key role in their Champions League triumph. Yet, Yamal’s prominence in a rebuilding Barcelona squad has captured global attention, highlighting his potential impact on the game’s future.
Shaping the Future of Football
Winning the Ballon d’Or would not just reward Yamal’s incredible season, it would also signal the dawn of a new generation in world football. At only 18, he has shown the maturity and courage to take on great responsibility at one of football’s most historic clubs.
Even if Yamal does not win this year, the trajectory is clear. He is poised to remain a top Ballon d’Or contender in the coming years and is ready to dominate both European and global football stages for years to come.
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