The Ballon d’Or is always more than just a trophy ceremony it’s the night football royalty gathers under one roof. The brightest stars arrive suited up with their families, teammates, and loved ones, and while the spotlight is on the award itself, it’s also one of the rare times fans get a glimpse of their favorite players mingling away from the pitch.
This year was no different, and among all the glamour and anticipation, two of the leading contenders for the crown Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal shared a touching backstage moment that reminded everyone this night is just as much about connection as it is about competition.
Both Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé are coming off incredible seasons for club and country, and funnily enough, they share a special connection. Dembélé once wore the Barcelona shirt himself, though his time there didn’t quite live up to expectations before he made the move to PSG. Yamal, meanwhile, has stepped right into the spotlight at Barça, carrying the weight of being the club’s next big star. In many ways, he’s walking the same path Messi once did right down to wearing the legendary No. 10 shirt.
A closer look at Lamine Yamal’s case for the Ballon d’or
The Ballon d’Or 2025 has a very different feel compared to the years when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the stage. Their era of back-and-forth brilliance may be over, but the excitement hasn’t gone anywhere. Now, all eyes are on two new stars—Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG’s standout Ousmane Dembélé.
At just 18, Yamal has taken the football world by storm. Last season, he racked up 21 goals and 22 assists while guiding Barcelona to a La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup treble. Week after week, he showed not just skill but also the maturity to decide games when it mattered most. His Champions League run, even though Barça fell in the semifinals, proved he belongs among Europe’s very best. It’s no wonder people are already drawing comparisons to Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldinho.
Dembélé, meanwhile, had a career-defining year at PSG, playing a central role in their Champions League triumph. His numbers and impact were massive, but many believe Yamal edges the race because of how he’s stepped up as Barça’s new leader during a period of transition. Win or lose this year, Yamal’s path is clear—he’s set to be a Ballon d’Or contender for years to come.
About the author
Kevin Binoy
Writer, Athlon Sports