Lamine Yamal Runner-Up for 2025 Ballon d'Or; Controversy Surrounds Decision

Despite a brilliant season, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal missed out on the 2025 Ballon d'Or due to his age, finishing second behind Paris star Ousmane Dembélé. Yamal did win the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta acknowledged Dembélé's victory, tied to PSG's Champions League success. Dembélé's father, Mounir Nasraoui, criticized the decision, suggesting Yamal's talent surpassed Dembélé's.

Yamal congratulated Dembélé but his father was less diplomatic. The Frenchman scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists last season, leading PSG to domestic and Champions League success.

Yamal also reached the FIFA Club World Cup final. The debate continues over the deserving winner of the prestigious individual prize.