Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele have been two of the standout players of the 2024–25 season, but the French winger may have taken a key step forward in the Ballon d’Or race after winning the UEFA Champions League. With both stars set to face off in the UEFA Nations League, Yamal shared a bold perspective on how the award should be decided.
All eyes will be on Thursday’s Nations League semifinal between Spain and France, a matchup not only between two European powerhouses but also between two Ballon d’Or hopefuls. Despite the buzz, Yamal downplayed the game’s significance in the award race.
Speaking to Cadena COPE, Yamal was asked whether Thursday’s result would impact Ballon d’Or voting—and made his stance clear: “If you’re deciding the Ballon d’Or, who would you vote for? The best player over the year or the one who won Thursday’s game? I’d rather win on Thursday, but whether we win or not, I would vote for the best player of the year. But if people want to settle it on Thursday, then let’s settle it on Thursday.”
Yamal ended last season by lifting the EURO 2024 trophy with Spain and added three domestic titles with Barcelona this year. He has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in world football. Still, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo in past seasons, the teenager remains hesitant to declare himself the frontrunner for the award.
“I don’t think about winning the Ballon d’Or. I don’t think about winning it,” he admitted. “I believe things go badly when you start thinking that you need the Ballon d’Or. You focus on playing and winning. In the end, if I win the Champions League and the World Cup next season, then it’ll come. If everything happens this year, it’ll come. The important thing is to enjoy it, and let it come when it’s meant to,” Yamal concluded.
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UEFA reveals 2024-25 Champions League Team of the Season: Lamine Yamal, Dembele, Raphinha included
Spain vs. France: Ballon d’Or implications
Spain and France will meet in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, and the result could influence the Ballon d’Or conversation. Yamal and Dembele will square off at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Germany on Thursday, each looking to lead their nation to the final—and perhaps strengthen their individual case for the award.
Still, Thursday’s winner may need one more statement performance. The semifinal victor will go on to face the winner of Germany vs. Portugal in Sunday’s final, providing one last opportunity to secure silverware—and a signature moment—in a tightly contested Ballon d’Or race.
