The fight for the Ballon d'Or 2025 seems for the time being more undecided than ever. Two players nevertheless appear as a favorite: Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Two names which did not have the favors of the forecasts until this winter.
The Parisian striker still maintained his reputation as an awkward attacker in front of the goal and the Spanish European champion suffered from the comparison with Raphinha, who frightened the counters. But the situation has changed for several months.
Ousmane Dembélé has become a real marking machine, to the point of being only preceded by Kylian Mbappé in the ranking of the most prolific scorers in 2025, and Lamine Yamal multiplied the shine.
Ousmane Dembélé, “the main favorite”
Nevertheless, the elimination of Barça in the semi-final of the Champions League risks weighing heavy and Ousmane Dembélé could take an almost final advantage in the event of great performance during the final of the Champions League on Saturday, against Inter Milan. At least this is the opinion of Giovanni Trapattoni, former coach of the Nerazzuri.
“If the ceremony took place this weekend, it would be the main favorite. It is up to him to continue to shine in Munich and then during the Club World Cup, which will also weigh in the vote. He is likely to succeed Rodri ”he said in an interview with the Sunday Journal.
