The Ballon d'Or debate rages on! It's been just weeks since the glittering 2025 ceremony in Paris, and the football world is still buzzing. While Ousmane Dembele of PSG took home the coveted Golden Ball, the runner-up, Barcelona's young sensation Lamine Yamal, has ignited a firestorm of opinions. Many believe he was robbed, and the latest voice to join the chorus is none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Yamal, at just 18 years old, finished a remarkable second in the Ballon d'Or rankings. He also won the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best young player, for the second year in a row. But the main prize eluded him. This has led to considerable discussion among football fans and experts.
Former Barcelona manager and club legend Xavi Hernandez has already publicly stated that Yamal deserved the award.
Now, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another legendary figure from Barcelona's past, has weighed in. Ibrahimovic, known for his strong opinions, believes the Ballon d'Or should be awarded based on a player's individual impact and ability to make a difference. He believes Yamal was the most deserving candidate. "You have to judge the player on his ability to make a difference individually. For me, Yamal did. I would have given it to Yamal," Ibrahimovic told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Finishing second in the Ballon d'Or race is still a massive achievement, especially considering it's only Yamal's second full season at the highest level. This early success at such a young age suggests a bright future. If he continues on his current trajectory, he's likely to win multiple Ballon d'Or awards in the years to come.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that Dembele's performance throughout the year, including his contributions to PSG, justified his win. Others point to the importance of team success in determining individual awards.
For now, Yamal is focused on recovering from a pubic discomfort in time for Barcelona's upcoming La Liga game against Girona after the international break.
What do you think? Do you agree with Zlatan and Xavi that Lamine Yamal should have won the Ballon d'Or? Or do you believe Dembele was the rightful victor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
