Despite his young age, only recently reaching adulthood, Lamine Yamal has experienced a truly remarkable period for both the Barcelona club and the Spanish international squad.
In the contest for the most prestigious individual honor in soccer, Yamal found himself closely matched with Ousmane Dembele, the eventual recipient of the esteemed Ballon d’Or. However, the panel of judges ultimately concluded that the French athlete’s achievements surpassed those of the promising young Spaniard.
The city of lights was filled with joyous celebrations as the Paris Saint-Germain striker, who played a pivotal role in his team’s Champions League triumph, was presented with the coveted award.
Father of Lamine Yamal Questions Outcome of Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or Victory
However, Yamal did not go unrecognized, as he was awarded the esteemed Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year. This award is given to the most exceptional male football player in the world who is under the age of 21.
Despite his son’s achievement, Mounir Nasraoui, Lamine Yamal’s father, expressed his dissatisfaction and questioned the legitimacy of Dembele’s victory.
“He [Lamine] is the ultimate player,” Nasraoui declared to El Chiringuito. “I hesitate to use the word ‘theft,’ but it feels like a disservice to someone’s character.
“Without a doubt, Lamine Yamal stands out as the premier football player globally. It is not solely based on paternal bias, but he truly embodies the essence of being the finest player in the world.
“Lamine’s uniqueness is undeniable. We must acknowledge that something unusual has occurred. However, we anticipate victory next year. The Ballon d’Or will proudly return to Spain,” he confidently asserted.
What Criteria Determine the Ballon d’Or Winner?
Those casting votes are encouraged to evaluate candidates based on three primary benchmarks: individual skill, collective accomplishments as a team, and dedication to upholding fair play.
Therefore, PSG’s historic victory in the Champions League is highly probable to have swayed opinions in favor of Dembele. It should also be mentioned that the French attacker played an important role in that remarkable journey, which concluded with a resounding 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in the final.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s division, Aitana Bonmati was once again awarded the Ballon d’Or Feminin, marking her third consecutive triumph.
She was an indispensable member of the Spanish team that progressed to the final of the Women’s EURO 2025, and she also scored a goal in the semi-final match during added extra time.
