Fans Make The Same Observation About Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or Hopes After Spain Defeated France

The thrilling clash between Spain and France in the recent Nations League semifinal left fans on the edge of their seats and reignited the debate over who truly deserves the Ballon d’Or this year. Spain’s 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart was not only an extraordinary football spectacle featuring nine goals, but it also catapulted young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal into the spotlight, especially in comparison to his rival for football’s most prestigious individual award, French star Ousmane Dembélé.

Only 17 years old, Lamine Yamal shone brightly on one of the sport’s biggest stages. His performance was pivotal to Spain’s success, scoring two impressive goals: a penalty in the second half and a decisive strike in the 67th minute. His contributions did not go unnoticed by fans and pundits alike, many of whom began questioning whether Yamal should be the rightful winner of the Ballon d’Or, given his influence in such a crucial match.

On the other hand, Ousmane Dembélé struggled to make an impact. The French forward, widely considered the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or according to various bookmakers, failed to score or assist in his team’s narrow defeat. This loss was especially significant considering that just days earlier, Paris Saint-Germain, Dembélé’s club, had dominated Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, raising expectations for his performance.

Social media quickly became the battleground for passionate debates between supporters of both players, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where many voiced their opinions about who truly deserves the Ballon d’Or. One user confidently stated, “If the Ballon d’Or is about rewarding the best player in the world, there is only one legitimate winner. And his name is Lamine Yamal.” Another declared more emphatically, “If Lamine Yamal doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, this sport is finished. He is, by far, the best player in the world.”

However, not everyone agreed. Some fans still stand behind Dembélé as the best player of the season and believe that despite this setback, his overall brilliance throughout the year gives him the edge for the award. “Dembélé should win the Ballon d’Or. Otherwise, it would be robbery,” said one supporter, while another added, “Yamal is the best overall player, but Dembélé has had the best season, so he deserves the Ballon d’Or. It’s not hard to understand.”

Yamal himself addressed the match afterward, recognizing its importance for his Ballon d’Or candidacy. “For me, he [Dembélé] is the best player of the year, but everyone sees it differently. I trust that we’ll win on Thursday, but whether we win or not, I would vote for the best player of the year,” said the young Spanish talent, showing surprising maturity for his age. He also posed a challenge about the final decision: “If Thursday doesn’t go the way Dembélé or I want, who do you vote for? Someone playing on Sunday [in the final]? For me, it’s based on the whole year, but if people want to bet everything on Thursday, then let’s play.”

The upcoming Nations League final between Spain and Portugal will be another key stage for both players to prove their worth. The match promises intensity, as Portugal arrives fresh from a victory over Germany, with the championship title within reach for these emerging stars who are already making a difference on the European football scene.

Yamal’s impact extends beyond his goals. His ability to lead, create chances, and stay calm under pressure has impressed even the most skeptical observers. Despite his youth, his composure on the field reflects a level of play that some veterans take years to reach.

Meanwhile, Dembélé remains an undeniably talented player with brilliant moments throughout the season. His skill to break down defenses and create dangerous opportunities keeps him in the conversation for individual awards, although this match might have dented his chances.

The duel between these two players also symbolizes a generational rivalry and a contrast of playing styles. Yamal represents the freshness, drive, and emerging talent of Spanish football, while Dembélé embodies the experience and established skill within the French game.

For many fans, the Ballon d’Or is more than just an individual award—it symbolizes collective success and the ability to perform in critical moments, something Yamal has demonstrated abundantly in this tournament.

The debate will surely continue until the official announcement of the winner. What is clear is that the world of football is witnessing the rise of an exceptional talent who, at just 17, is already competing with established stars.

The Spain versus France match, beyond its result, will be remembered as a milestone in Lamine Yamal’s career and a turning point in the public perception of who deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Ultimately, the Nations League continues to raise the quality and excitement of international football, offering matches that not only entertain but also test the best players competing for both individual glory and national pride.

The climax of this story is fast approaching, and the eyes of the football world will be fixed on Yamal and Dembélé—two players who today represent the battle for football’s most coveted prize.