Lamine Yamal or Ousmane Dembele? Kylian Mbappe reveals his Ballon d’Or favorite

With more than two months to go until the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22, two names have emerged as the frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual honor: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele. Amid the debate, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe made his stance clear about who deserves the award.

On one side, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has dazzled, leading his team to a domestic treble with triumphs in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. On the other side, Ousmane Dembele achieved an international treble with PSG, capturing the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and delivering the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.

Ahead of the UEFA Nations League third-place clash between France and Germany, Mbappe was asked during a press conference who he believes should win the Ballon d’Or, and his response left little doubt.

“Would I vote for Dembele? Yes. I don’t think it needs an explanation,” Mbappe said. “People are talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembele; I’m voting for Dembele. It’s very clear”.

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with teammate Ousmane Dembele during the UEFA Euro 2024. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Real Madrid striker also acknowledged that there’s still time for things to change before the award is handed out. “Today, we’re talking about Ousmane and Lamine. But this can change very quickly, as we’ve seen with past winners,” Mbappe continued.

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“We weren’t talking about some players who ended up winning. Will it be the same in September? A lot can happen between now and then, but right now, the conversation is about Ousmane and Lamine. That’s why I’ve answered as I did,” he added.

Yamal vs Dembele: By the numbers

Barcelona’s rising star, Yamal, played 55 matches this season, tallying 18 goals and 25 assists, and played a pivotal role in his team’s domestic treble. Meanwhile, Dembele had an electrifying season with PSG, scoring 33 goals and delivering 15 assists in 49 appearances, emerging as a key figure in PSG’s historic Champions League-winning campaign.