Dembele Favored to Win 2025 Ballon d'Or in Paris Ceremony

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris is set to crown either Ousmane Dembele or Lamine Yamal as the year's best footballer, with both players being first-time favorites. Dembele, currently with Paris Saint-Germain, earned acclaim for a strong season highlighted by a key role in PSG's UEFA Champions League victory, although some debate remains over whether he is the most deserving given other top scorers like Mbappe and Haaland. Barcelona's prodigy Lamine Yamal, renowned for his youth and creative impact, is gaining momentum as a serious contender, reflecting a shift toward recognizing emerging talent. Despite the usual leaks in past years, neither Dembele nor Yamal knows the winner ahead of the ceremony, adding to the suspense. Alongside them, Barcelona's Raphinha is also noted for his impressive contributions to the team's domestic treble, underlining the competitive field this year. This year's Ballon d'Or highlights a blend of redemption, prodigy, and resurgence, capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide.