The winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or will be announced on 23/9 at a gala at the Chatelet Theater in Paris. The 30-player shortlist was announced on 7/8 by France Football magazine, with Yamal and Dembele among the top contenders.

In France, Dembele is widely predicted to win the award. The PSG star had an excellent season, with 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. He played a key role in helping his team win four trophies, including their first Champions League title, and reach the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Yamal competes with Dembele during a match between Barcelona and PSG. Photo: EFE

However, there are dissenting voices. One of them is Jean-Pierre Papin, the legend who won the prestigious individual award in 1991 while playing for Marseille.

"Yamal deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or thanks to his impressive performances with Barcelona and the Spanish national team," Papin told Erem News on 22/8. The 1991 Ballon d'Or winner didn't even mention any PSG players, who are also on the shortlist.

When asked why he didn't choose any French or PSG player like Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, or Vitinha, Papin firmly replied, "No, for me, Yamal is the best and has had an extraordinary season."

Compared to Dembele, Yamal's achievements last season were equally impressive, supporting Papin's view. In 55 appearances for Barcelona, the 18-year-old Spaniard scored 18 goals and provided 21 assists, contributing to the Catalan club's strong season as they came close to winning a treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

Papin holds the 1991 Ballon d'Or. Photo: France Football

In last year's Ballon d'Or, Dembele didn't even make the top 30. Meanwhile, Yamal finished eighth overall with 383 points. At the 2024 gala, he also received the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best U21 player in the world.

Papin, a renowned French striker of the 1980s and early 1990s, was known for his versatile finishing and powerful volleys. He played for major clubs like Marseille, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich, and won the Ballon d'Or in 1991, becoming the first French player to win the award since Platini. During his time at Marseille, Papin scored over 180 goals, greatly contributing to the team's dominance in Ligue 1. He also earned 54 caps for the French national team, leaving his mark as one of the best finishers in football history.

Ha Phuong (according to Marca)