Speaking with Polish outlet Rymanowski Live on Saturday, the current Barcelona forward explained that the friction between the two icons was largely fueled by a misunderstanding of his words.

“I know what you are referring to—the situation with Messi after the Ballon d’Or, where I think I was misinterpreted or perhaps I expressed myself poorly,” Lewandowski said. “It started because I simply said that the words Messi used… I didn’t want them to just be left in the air. Maybe it sounded different. Maybe someone translated it wrong. And that’s how the scandal started, especially in Argentina”.

The “scandal” dates back to the 2021 ceremony. After the 2020 award was canceled due to the pandemic—a year Lewandowski was the heavy favorite to win—Messi used his 2021 acceptance speech to lobby for the Pole to receive his 2020 trophy retrospectively. At the time, Lewandowski was quoted as saying he hoped Messi’s sentiment was “sincere and not just empty words,” a comment that Messi later admitted “bothered” him.

Now, Lewandowski is firm in his stance that his intent was to ensure Messi’s suggestion was actually acted upon by organizers, rather than questioning the Inter Miami star’s honesty.

“It could have been taken as me saying they were empty words,” Lewandowski admitted. “But what I had in mind was precisely that those words should not remain in the air. You never know how things will be translated… during the gala, with the emotions, I don’t even remember exactly what I said”.

A possible reunion?

The interview also touched on the swirling rumors of a potential Messi return to FC Barcelona on a short-term loan during the MLS off-season. While Lewandowski seemed surprised by the specific report, he spoke warmly of his predecessor. “It’s the first time I’ve heard that,” he noted. “We know Messi is a Barcelona legend and the relationship he has with the club—it’s a beautiful history”.

The clarification comes at an interesting time, as recent reports have also linked Lewandowski with a potential move to join Messi at Inter Miami when his Barcelona contract nears its end in 2026.

With those two goals, Kane became the fastest player to reach 20 goal contributions across Europe’s top five leagues. The forward hit the milestone in just 742 minutes, tallying 17 goals and three assists, edging past the record Messi once held.

Messi had set the benchmark during the 2011-12 season with Barcelona, when he needed 749 minutes to reach 20 goal contributions. That campaign was historic for the Argentine, as he won the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and later captured the Ballon d’Or.

Rounding out the podium in this achievement is Messi again, who took 844 minutes to hit the same mark in the 2016-17 season. Kane also holds the fourth spot on the list, having reached 20 goal contributions in 871 minutes while playing for Tottenham in the 2020/21 season.

Kane keeps breaking records

This season has been nothing short of spectacular for Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, where the team has won every competitive match so far. The English striker has also been rewriting the record books with a series of historic milestones.

After scoring a brace in Bayern’s Champions League opener against Chelsea, Kane became just the third player in competition history—alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar—to record 20 or more goals with two different clubs.

He struck again in the Bundesliga with another double against Werder Bremen, a performance that made him the fastest player across Europe’s top five leagues—Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and England—to reach 100 goals for a single club.

As if that weren’t enough, Kane also etched his name into English soccer history. With his latest brace against Pafos FC, the striker reached 55 total goal contributions in the Champions League (44 goals and 11 assists), surpassing David Beckham’s previous mark of 53 to become the most productive English player in the competition’s history.

As expected, both were the leading candidates for soccer’s most prestigious individual honor. The Paris Saint-Germain forward delivered a standout season, playing 53 matches, scoring 35 goals, handing out 16 assists, and winning five trophies: Ligue 1, the French Super Cup, the Coupe de France, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.

On the other side, Lamine Yamal — winner of the Kopa Trophy for best U-21 player in the world for the second straight year — more than lived up to the hype with Barcelona and Spain. The teenage sensation appeared in 55 games, tallying 18 goals and 25 assists while helping his club capture three domestic titles: La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey.

The points difference between Dembele and Yamal

The Ballon d’Or is decided through a voting process involving prominent representatives from countries around the world. Each voter ranks their top five players, awarding five points to their first choice, four to the second, and so on. The totals are then added up to determine the winner announced at the gala ceremony.

On the strength of his breakout season with Barcelona, where he played a starring role in nearly every domestic competition, Lamine Yamal collected 1,059 points. His dazzling dribbling, speed, goals, and assists were key factors in pushing him to such a high tally.

But Ousmane Dembele finished comfortably ahead with 1,380 points. His decisive influence in Paris Saint-Germain’s sweep of every competition they entered last season made him the overwhelming choice for voters, sealing his first Ballon d’Or.

Final Ballon d’Or points

• 1- Ousmane Dembele – 1,380
• 2- Lamine Yamal – 1,059
• 3- Vitinha – 703
• 4- Mohamed Salah – 657
• 5- Raphinha – 620
• 6- Achraf Hakimi – 484
• 7- Kylian Mbappe – 278
• 8- Cole Palmer – 211
• 9- Gianluigi Donnarumma – 172
• 10- Nuno Mendes – 171

Yamal’s post came hours after the gala at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where he received the Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year, honoring him as the world’s best U-21 player. Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, his tone remained gracious and grounded.

“God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa trophy x2 and congratulate @o.dembele7 for the award and the great season,” wrote Yamal on Instagram.

A tale of two seasons: Yamal vs. Dembele

The contrast between Yamal and Dembele was striking. Yamal dazzled with 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble.

Meanwhile, Dembele’s campaign with PSG was historic, tallying 35 goals and 16 assists, and culminating in a clean sweep of titles — including the long-awaited Champions League trophy.

What’s next for Yamal?

Despite the setback, Yamal’s maturity and message suggest a long-term mindset. His rise has been meteoric, and many analysts believe he remains a top contender for future Ballon d’Or honors. As Barcelona builds around its young core, Yamal’s leadership and consistency could be the key to European glory — the missing piece in his 2025 campaign.

In a heartfelt Instagram story, Mbappe quickly reached out to congratulate Dembele on securing the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid standout shared a sincere message, stating, “It’s all about emotions, bro. You deserve 1000 times more.”

From prodigy to paradox, Mbappe’s career started with Ballon d’Or aspirations at just 16. Fast forward ten years and the prestigious trophy remains out of reach. At 26, Mbappe has yet to win a Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Dembele, once seen as a likely candidate for decline, defied expectations by securing the coveted award first. Their contrasting journeys highlight both the unpredictable nature and the enduring intrigue of elite soccer.

Amid strong competition from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Dembele emerged as the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. His pivotal role in PSG‘s triumph in the UEFA Champions League and three additional titles underscored his immense value. Demonstrating remarkable form, Dembele netted 35 goals and recorded 16 assists across 53 matches, ranking him fourth in total goal contributions.

How did the top 5 of the 2025 Ballon d’Or look after Dembele’s stunning victory?

Dembele clinched the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging out formidable contenders Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Vitinha, and Lamine Yamal. Initially, the Egyptian appeared to be the favorite, but his team’s early exit from the Champions League tarnished his prospects. Same as Yamal and Raphinha, who encountered similar setbacks despite their stellar seasons. Nonetheless, all of them secured spots in the top five of this prestigious award’s rankings.

After receiving the trophy, Dembele delivered an emotional speech that moved him to tears, recognizing the significance of the moment, especially with Ronaldinho handing him the award. He also reflected on his time in Barcelona, calling it a dream fulfilled to play for the club and alongside Messi.

“I have achieved my dream of playing for Barcelona club. I played with big names like Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, and I learned many things from them,” Dembele said during the Ballon d’Or ceremony. He also gave a special mention to Iniesta, who was in attendance at the gala.

Dembele delivered a speech that moved more than a few, as he seemed to thank and acknowledge everyone who had been part of his journey. Naturally, he did not forget his parents. “To my mother, I want to thank you… you have always been there for me, mama… always been by my side,” Dembele said. “To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We’ll always be together.”

The moments of Dembele and Messi in Barcelona

The partnership between Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele at Barcelona, though often disrupted by the Frenchman’s injuries, still provided glimpses of remarkable potential. Dembele joined the club in 2017, the same summer Neymar departed, with expectations that he would form a new attacking trident alongside Messi and Luis Suarez.

While their connection never fully developed into a long-term duo due to Dembele’s frequent setbacks, there were key stretches where both shined together. In the 2018-2019 season, Dembele enjoyed his best scoring start and became an essential part of the attack, complementing Messi’s creativity. At one point, Messi even defended Dembele during an exchange with a referee, highlighting the bond and mutual respect between them.

Their combined impact was not as measurable as the famed MSN trio, largely because of Dembele’s lack of continuity on the pitch. Still, whenever they played together, Dembele’s pace and dribbling added width and depth, creating space for Messi to operate more centrally.

Of course, Dembele’s Barcelona legacy also carried blemishes, such as his infamous miss that could have sealed the win against Liverpool in a Champions League match in 2019, a mistake that loomed large after the English club completed its stunning comeback.

Even if Dembele edges his name in soccer history by claiming the coveted Ballon d’Or, at his age, Lionel Messi had already rewritten the record books, securing five awards (2009-2012, and 2015). This remarkable achievement placed Leo ahead of legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Michel Platini, who once dominated the awards’ history until Messi’s meteoric rise.

While Cristiano Ronaldo is hailed as one of soccer’s most iconic figures, he captured only two Ballon d’Ors before turning 28, winning it in 2008 and 2013. Even if his peak performance arrived as a veteran player, he reached to clinch three additional awards, solidifying his position as the second-most decorated player in the awards’ history.

Ousmane, previously unheralded by the Ballon d’Or, crowned himself the world’s best soccer player in 2025. During the 2024-25 season, he scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 matches for Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Raphinha, Salah, and Kane surpassing him in total goal contributions, Dembele emerged as the undisputed star of a team that clinched four trophies, distinguishing himself with their remarkable success.

Who are the players who have won the Ballon d’Or during the Messi and Ronaldo era?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi fiercely contested the Ballon d’Or from 2008 to 2019, consistently dominating the top three spots. Yet, only the Argentine star extended his legacy through 2023, whereas the Portuguese has not featured in the top three since 2020. In the wake of their rivalry, the prestigious award has welcomed four new winners, showcasing the evolving landscape of elite soccer talent.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still active, they no longer dominate Europe’s elite leagues, leading to their decline in Ballon d’Or rankings. The Argentine star remains an exception in 2023, briefly reclaiming his spot after winning the FIFA World Cup. However, no player in recent years has captured the award consecutively, highlighting the enduring challenge of measuring up to their monumental legacies.

The Spanish prodigy dazzled in the 2024-25 season, helping Barcelona dominate domestically and making waves in Europe. He played 13 Champions League matches, scored five goals, and provided four assists, proving himself a decisive force on the field.

Yamal also led the Spanish national team to the Euro 2024 title, adding international success to his resume. Fans had expected that such achievements could put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or, yet the award ultimately went to a more seasoned candidate.

Who’s the youngest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or?

The youngest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or is Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, who captured the award in 1997 at 21 years and 3 months old. At the time, Ronaldo’s incredible season with FC Barcelona and Inter Milan established him as a generational talent.

Ronaldo’s dominance on the field that year was extraordinary. He combined blistering pace, impeccable dribbling, and lethal finishing to leave defenders and goalkeepers helpless. The award recognized his ability to change games single-handedly and solidified his status as one of soccer’s all-time greats.

Even Lionel Messi, who would go on to win the Ballon d’Or seven times, was older than Ronaldo when he claimed his first trophy at 22. That makes Ronaldo’s record the benchmark for every aspiring young player, including Yamal, who continues to chase this milestone.

What’s next for Yamal

While the Ballon d’Or has eluded him for now, Yamal’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. At just 18, he has already proven capable of influencing games at the highest levels, combining skill, vision, and maturity beyond his years.

Soccer fans around the world are eagerly watching, knowing it’s only a matter of time before Lamine Yamal has a shot at becoming the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history—a record that has stood for more than two decades.

Despite his remarkable year leading Spain to the Euro 2024 title and starring for Barcelona, Yamal came up short in the voting. For many, the result was surprising given his performances throughout Europe last season, including his standout display in the Champions League semifinal against Inter.

Fans pointed to the prophecy once made by head coach Hansi Flick — “One day we will see Lamine win the Ballon d’Or” — and were left wondering if the wait might be longer than expected. Yamal’s trophy case still boasted LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Supercup, and Euro 2024, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament.

Even with 13 Champions League appearances, five goals, and four assists last season, the voters favored another candidate for the prestigious award. The debate now centers not on whether Yamal will eventually win, but on when — and how many.

How old was Messi when he won his first Ballon d’Or?

Lionel Messi was 22 years old when he captured his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, a moment that launched a legendary era of dominance. By then, Messi had already established himself as the centerpiece of Barcelona’s attack and one of the most electrifying players in the world.

That same year, Barcelona won the historic sextuple under Pep Guardiola, sweeping all six available trophies. Messi was the driving force of that run, scoring decisive goals and delivering brilliant assists on the biggest stages, including the Champions League final against Manchester United.

Messi’s first Ballon d’Or made him the second-youngest player ever to win the award at the time, behind only Ronaldo Nazario, and set the tone for a career that would rewrite the history books.

Following his inconsistent spell at Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele defied expectations with a stellar 2024-25 season. The 28-year-old forward dazzled the soccer world by netting 35 goals and delivering 16 assists across 53 matches, marking the pinnacle of his career. Beyond his on-field exploits, he embraced an unprecedented leadership role, showcasing a newfound maturity and elevating his professional stature.

Considering his stellar individual performance and collective success, Dembele emerged as a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. Nonetheless, some players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and his teammate Vitinha were also among the favorites to clinch the award. Despite the high competence, Ousmane clinched his first-ever Ballon d’Or, edging his name in the soccer history among storied legends.

How many French players have claimed the award?

Throughout soccer history, a constellation of French talent has left an indelible mark on the sport. Icons like Michel Platini, Raymond Kopa, Thierry Henry, Franck Ribéry, Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, and Zinedine Zidane, among others stand out. Nonetheless, only six players have won the prestigious award.

Of the eight Ballon d’Or wins by French players, six have come from different luminaries, with Michel Platini achieving the most for his country. Yet, the historical podium in overall victories of the award remains captivating.

Ousmane’s first-ever Ballon d’Or win elevates his country to tie Argentina for the most victories in the award’s history. The distinction lies in the diversity of contributors: France needed six players to match Lionel Messi’s country tally, all secured by the Inter Miami standout. This achievement relegates Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal to second place in the rankings.

Raphinha delivered the best season of his career, playing a key role in helping the Blaugranas win the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, and LaLiga, recording 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 matches.

Even though he didn’t take home the trophy, many considered Raphinha deserving of the award. The Brazilian had previously expressed that simply being among the nominees was already a victory.

“With everything I’ve experienced in my professional career, being at the gala is already a win for me. One of my biggest achievements. My goal is to be better than yesterday, better than last season. I’m going to give everything to be even better,“ Raphinha said in an interview with France Football.

Who was the last Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or?

Since Raphinha lost in the voting, the last Brazilian to claim the Ballon d’Or was Kaká, who received the honor in 2007. At the time, Kaká, playing for AC Milan, was at the peak of his career, showcasing elegant and extraordinary soccer that captivated the world. His 2007 victory is particularly notable as he was the last player to win the award before the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The award capped off an incredible season with AC Milan, in which he was the standout figure in the Italian club’s Champions League triumph. He scored 10 goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick against Anderlecht in the group stage and a crucial brace in the semifinals against Manchester United. He finished as the competition’s top scorer, demonstrating his lethal attacking ability.

Kaká’s Ballon d’Or win solidified his status as one of the greatest players of his generation. It remains a testament to his elegance, game intelligence, and ability to deliver in the most critical moments. Despite injuries that later affected his career, his brilliance in 2007 left an indelible mark on soccer history.