The Stats That Back Him Up

The 2025 Ballon d’Or is no longer a battle between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The spotlight now falls on Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid who had a dream season: 21 goals, 22 assists and a domestic treble with LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.

More than just numbers, his influence was total. Under Hansi Flick, he became the team’s most decisive player, sharing the stage with Raphinha, Pedri, Gavi and Koundé, but standing out as the man for the big moments.

Impact on Big Matches

Although Barcelona fell in a dramatic Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, Yamal’s performances put him among Europe’s elite. His dribbling, striking power and fearless confidence under pressure made him a phenomenon.

Compared to the likes of Messi, Ronaldinho and Neymar for his flair, Yamal is seen as a comet blazing across the football world. Even without the Champions League trophy, his impact in LaLiga and Europe showed he is destined to reign.

Can He Win It?

Giving the Ballon d’Or to Lamine Yamal would mean recognizing the future of football. Not only for his precocious talent, but also for shining in a Barcelona still rebuilding after Messi’s departure. Against Dembélé’s perfect year with PSG, Yamal’s case is about youth, irreverence and freshness on the biggest stage.

The race will be close, but if the balance tips toward Barça’s prodigy, he will be crowned as football’s new king. And even if not, it seems inevitable he will win it more than once in the coming years.