Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has confessed that he fully expected to be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in 2025. However, the prestigious award ultimately went to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, with Yamal securing the second-place finish.
In a recent interview, the Spanish winger revealed that while he believed he had done enough to claim the prize, looking back, he realizes that finishing as runner-up was actually beneficial for his development. “I thought the trophy would be mine that day, given everything that had unfolded throughout the year,” Yamal shared. “But now, I see that Dembele’s victory was the best outcome for me.”
The 18-year-old elaborated on why not winning was a positive turning point. “Beyond helping me mature as a person, I don’t believe I was ready to fully grasp the significance of a Ballon d’Or at that stage. I was still a kid, and winning might have made me take it for granted. It wouldn’t have meant the same to me as it should. This year, though, I’m aiming to change that. Let’s see if I can make it mine!”
Yamal’s reflection highlights a level of self-awareness rare for such a young athlete. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, he is channeling his disappointment into motivation for the upcoming season.