Top News

The UEFA Nations League 2024/25 semifinal between Spain and France on June 5, 2025, at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart was more than just a battle for a spot in the final. It was a high-stakes showdown between two of football’s brightest stars, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé, both vying for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or. With Spain securing a thrilling 5-4 victory over France, the question on every football fan’s mind is: who strengthened their case for the coveted award?

Yamal’s Stellar Performance

At just 17, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal stole the show in Stuttgart, scoring twice in Spain’s victory. His first goal came from a penalty in the 53rd minute, followed by a clinical finish in the 67th, capitalizing on a mistake by France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Yamal’s brace and dynamic play outshone his rivals, earning praise from Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente, who called it a “Ballon d’Or statement.”

Dembélé’s Quiet Night

Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off a Champions League triumph with PSG, struggled to make an impact. The 27-year-old created chances but failed to score or assist before being substituted in the 76th minute. Despite his impressive season stats—35 goals across all competitions—his lackluster performance against Spain didn’t help his Ballon d’Or bid. France coach Didier Deschamps backed Dembélé pre-match, but Yamal’s dominance shifted the narrative.

Who Leads the Ballon d’Or Race?

Yamal’s head-to-head victory strengthens his position as a frontrunner. Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger echoed this, stating, “Lamine Yamal has to be put higher than Dembélé” for the Ballon d’Or. While Dembélé’s Champions League success keeps him in contention, Yamal’s youth, consistency, and recent heroics give him the edge. With the Ballon d’Or voting covering the entire season and the ceremony set for September 22, 2025, upcoming events like the Club World Cup could still sway voters.