Lamine Yamal, the promising young talent in world football, faces many challenges in the race to win the 2025 Golden Ball. This season has witnessed fierce competition between the best football stars, the most prominent of which is Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé. Although Yamal is highly regarded for his technical development and potential, he faces a certain disadvantage compared to his rival Dembélé in the eyes of experts and the media.
The Golden Ball is the most prestigious award for the world’s best football player for one year. Each year, the criteria for choosing the winner are based not only on personal achievements but also on the player’s influence on the team, significant contributions in major tournaments, as well as on-field attitude and competitive spirit. In 2025, these criteria were officially published with new points to improve fairness and transparency in the evaluation.
Lamine Yamal has emerged as a promising young star with the ability to skillfully control his speed and incredible speed. However, competing with Dembélé, who has extensive international experience and plays a significant role in many of the national team’s victories, meant Yamal was under significant pressure. Dembélé, in particular, has made a strong impression in major tournaments, maintaining a consistent performance over many seasons, which voters consider to be one of the key factors when making their decision.
Additionally, the fact that pundits and media outlets value players has affirmed their names and long-term contributions to the team also reduces the opportunity for young talents like Yamal. Furthermore, a direct comparison of the number of goals, assists, and personal goals between Yamal and Dembélé shows a certain difference, although Yamal’s potential is still very high.
At the same time, the tactical element and the player’s role within the team also affect the view of the player’s value. Dembélé often sees himself as having an important role in organizing attacks and coordinating with his teammates, while Yamal is still in the process of asserting himself and seeking stability in his form. This also creates a gap in the assessment of the influence of two players on the pitch.
However, it is undeniable that Lamine Yamal is one of the most promising young players in the world, who is expected to become a symbol in the near future. His being nominated for the 2025 Golden Ball shortlist demonstrated recognition of his talent and continued efforts in his career. However, to overcome challenges and compete fairly with experienced players like Dembélé, Yamal must continue to improve his skills, maintain stability, and make a clearer impression in important tournaments.
The race to win the 2025 Golden Ball promises to be highly dramatic and engaging as the world’s best football stars gather. The confrontation between young talents and established players not only increases competitiveness but also brings fans many impressive performances. Regardless of the final outcome, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé deserve the honor and joy of the football community.
