A New Chapter in Ballon d’Or History

Lamine Yamal has emerged as the new jewel of FC Barcelona and the standard-bearer for football purists. At just 18 years old, wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt inherited from Lionel Messi, his season has been a constant display of talent, personality, and determination in the most important matches.

Opposite him stands Ousmane Dembélé, a treble winner with PSG and favorite for the award on September 22 in Paris. The raw stats favor the Frenchman, but Yamal’s context and competitive impact tell a different story.

Numbers and Context

Dembélé recorded 46 goal contributions, seven more than Yamal, with better shot conversion and more chances created. However, the Barça star played 1,200 more minutes, in a league and national cup far more competitive than France’s.

In the Champions League, Dembélé managed eight goals and six assists, but Yamal actually outperformed him: nine goals and 13 assists in fewer matches, even standing out in Barça’s semifinal elimination against Inter. According to Opta, the Spaniard also had higher dribble success and duels won.

Decisive on the Big Stage

Yamal shone in El Clásico clashes against Real Madrid, scoring and assisting in key matches in LaLiga, the Supercopa, and the Copa del Rey. He also found the net against top rivals like Atlético, Athletic Club, and Villarreal, and delivered memorable performances in the Champions League — including a brace against Benfica and a wonder goal in the Nations League semifinal against France, where he outshined Dembélé in their personal “Ballon d’Or play-off.”

More Than Talent — Personality

Yamal sums it up simply: “I play, I have fun… and that’s it.” That joy, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him the ideal candidate for many. If the Ballon d’Or truly rewarded real influence and competitive value, Lamine Yamal would be standing at the very top of the podium.