Golden ball, Dembélé bows to Yamal!

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By: Manu Tournoux

The 2025 Golden Ball should be awarded to Lamine Yamal or Ousmane Dembélé.

The current FC Barcelona player seems to have strengthened his efforts to be crowned best world footballer later this year.

Lamine Yamal took a step forward towards this title after having shone during the 5-4 victory of Spain over France of Dembélé in the semi-finals of the League of UEFA nations at the start of the week. He scored a double in Stuttgart and will aim for a fourth trophy of the season during the final between the Roja and Portugal on Sunday.

The participation of Ousmane Dembélé in the Club World Cup is uncertain

A new boost was given to the player of FC Barcelona and Spain in his quest for the Ballon d'Or. According to MD, Dembélé was injured in the thigh in Thursday's match, and the first signs suggest that there will be a large part of the club World Cup this summer in the United States.

Good news for Lamine Yamal – and Atlético Madrid also

Dembélé has already been forfeited for the match for 3rd/4th place in the UEFA Nations League which will take place on Sunday between France and Germany. According to some information, it is very likely that it will be unavailable for the three PSG group phase games in the club World Cup. If this is the case, this would be good news for Atlético Madrid, one of the European champions opponents in the United States.

If PSG does not win the Club World Cup, the chances of Dembélé to win the Ballon d'Or may decrease, especially if it is absent due to injury. This would also be good news for Lamine Yamal in his own title race in 2025, even if Cristiano Ronaldo believes that the French international should prevail whatever happens this summer.

It remains to be seen if Dembélé will be able to participate in the Club World Cup, but the clubs of Barcelona – and Atlético Madrid – hope not.