Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or Hopes Take a Major Hit After Nations League Final
In a surprising twist that has stunned football fans and analysts alike, Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is now believed to be out of contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following a disappointing showing in the UEFA Nations League final.
The tournament concluded this past weekend with plenty of drama. France edged Germany in the third-place match, but all eyes were on the final, where Portugal defeated Spain in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. The result was not only a blow for Spain but may have also ended Yamal’s hopes of winning football’s top individual award.
Heading into the semifinals, the Ballon d’Or race was neck-and-neck between Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé. While Dembélé led Paris Saint-Germain to multiple titles — including the UEFA Champions League — Yamal had guided Barcelona to a domestic treble. His performance against France, where he scored twice in a thrilling 5-4 win, seemed to put him ahead in the race.
However, in the final against Portugal, Yamal failed to make an impact. He was rated just 3/10 by L’Équipe and was substituted in extra time due to fatigue. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente explained that Yamal, at just 17, had endured a long season and needed rest.
Unfortunately for Yamal, this absence during the critical moments of the final may have sealed his fate. Compounding the setback is the fact that Barcelona won’t participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, denying him another chance to impress. Meanwhile, PSG — and potentially a recovering Dembélé — will be there, giving the French winger one last shot to secure the Ballon d’Or.
The situation highlights how quickly fortunes can change in elite football. Yamal’s youth — once seen as an advantage — is now being used to justify his limitations. While many still believe in his potential, with no more matches left this season, his fate rests with the Ballon d’Or voters.
Reactions have been swift online, with hashtags like #YamalOut trending and fans debating whether it’s fair to put such pressure on a teenager. Pundits, like Jérôme Rothen, have noted that disappearing in a final costs you the award — no matter your age.
Portuguese players like Vitinha and Rafael Leão are also being mentioned as dark horses after their standout performances.
Though Yamal’s dream may be slipping away this year, the general consensus is that his time will come. At 17, he has years ahead to claim the Ballon d’Or — possibly more than once. For now, the world waits to see if Dembélé will make the final push before the award is announced on September 22.
The question is no longer if Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or — but when.
