The season is coming to an end, but the battle for the Ballon d'Or has never been so burning. While the closing of votes is approaching (fixed on August 11) each declaration, each position, acts as an earthquake in the small world of football. A recent confidence, slipped by a world -renowned journalist, turned on the wick. This is Fabrizio Romano. What revive the debate on the legitimacy of Lamine Yamal, the young Spanish prodigy of FC Barcelona, in the race at the most prestigious of the individual trophies.
An unexpected revelation that agitates the football planet
It was at the turn of a video interview that the confidence fell, throwing a disorder on the outcome of the election. “For me, Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world. What he does at his age is unreal. »» And, questioned about the Ballon d'Or, the journalist dared to let go: “We talk about it between journalists … and we think he will win it. »» The formula, although impaired by subjectivity, has been perceived as a major revelation. Suddenly, would the rumor swell: would the secret of the future Ballon d'Or already be fanned?
Duel Yamal-Dembélé: the rumor that turns the race to the golden balloon
A Yamal duel – Dembélé at the top
In this context, the journalist's exit only strengthens the feeling of a duel that monopolizes all attentions. If Ousmane Dembélé, hero of PSG and winner of the Champions League, can still score points during the Club World Cup, Lamine Yamal seems to have struck the spirits irreversibly. The Spaniard, he will enjoy vacation while his main competitors will try to overthrow the steam on the ground. For many, the trend now seems irreversible, the battle is limited to a face-to-face between these two virtuosos.
A confession that can change everything?
It is obvious that Romano's declaration engages only him. He does not hold the monopoly of votes and has no more power than other members of the college of jurors. But in a universe also sensitive to public opinion, the word of an expert can sometimes weigh heavy. Certain observers wonder: is this kind of outing not likely to indirectly influence the vote? Conversely, Ousmane Dembélé has disconcerting serenity, recalling in France Football that “everyone thinks what they want and votes what they want”.
The Ballon d'Or, object of all passions
The fact remains that this confession, as subjective as it is, only feeds a soap opera rich in twists and turns. The Golden Ball race continues to fascinate, to the point of relegating to the second plan of candidates like Mbappé, Salah or Rafinha. One thing is certain: until the fateful date, each notice, each performance, each confidence could well weigh in the scale and offer an unexpected outcome.
