Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has reacted after missing out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which was awarded to Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé on Monday night in Paris.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season with Barcelona, featuring in 55 matches across all competitions. He scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists, playing a crucial role in the club’s triumphs in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
However, Dembélé’s Champions League-winning exploits with PSG, coupled with his superior goal tally, 17 more than Yamal across all competitions, gave the Frenchman the edge in the final vote.
Despite the disappointment, Yamal responded with optimism.
Taking to Instagram a day after the ceremony, he wrote:
“God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa Trophy x2 and congratulations to @o.dembele7 for the award and the great season.”
The Barcelona sensation also displayed sportsmanship during the event, embracing Dembélé on stage moments after the PSG forward was presented with the Ballon d’Or.
Yamal did not leave Paris empty-handed, securing the prestigious Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year.
The teenage forward had already started the 2025/26 season in fine form, with two goals and three assists in Barcelona’s opening three La Liga matches.
However, he is currently sidelined with a groin injury, making him doubtful for Barça’s clash against Oviedo on Thursday.
