As the curtain falls on the 2024–25 football season, a new conversation begins — who deserves the Ballon d’Or? This year’s debate is a compelling one, driven not just by legacy or fanfare, but by raw, undeniable numbers. With PSG finally lifting their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy and Barcelona returning to domestic dominance, three names have emerged as leading contenders: Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.
All three played pivotal roles for their clubs — but each had a season defined by different milestones. Dembele led PSG to an unprecedented quadruple, silencing critics and fulfilling years of promise. In Spain, Yamal and Raphinha drove Barcelona to a treble, with the teenager breaking records while the Brazilian finally stepped into his prime. Between the three of them, they’ve scored over 85 goals and registered 66 assists this season — numbers that put them firmly in Ballon d’Or contention.
Beyond the stats lies narrative power: Yamal became Spain’s headline act, Dembele redeemed his club legacy, and Raphinha went from nearly being sold to leading his club’s frontline. Here’s a closer look at each of their cases.
Lamine Yamal: The Golden teen prodigy
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has had a season that would make even legends take notice. At this early age, Yamal wrapped up the season with an astonishing 19 goals and 26 assists across all competitions — numbers that defy his age.
In Barcelona’s treble-winning season, Yamal was their creative pulse: drifting into pockets, carving open defences, and stepping up in big matches.
But Yamal’s magic wasn’t limited to club football. He lit up Euro 2024, playing a key role in Spain’s title win, and followed it up with a stunning performance against France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final — scoring twice in a dramatic 5-4 win over Dembele’s side. With four major trophies and consistent high-level performances, Yamal isn’t just a sensation — he’s a serious Ballon d’Or contender.
Ousmane Dembele: The redemption hero
After years of injury setbacks and missed chances, Ousmane Dembele delivered the season of his life. With 33 goals and 15 assists, he was PSG’s most dangerous forward, delivering crucial contributions in Ligue 1 and Europe. In the Champions League, he was the man for the big nights — scoring in both the semi-final and final as Paris finally ended their UCL curse.
His efforts helped PSG claim a historic quadruple: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophe des Champions. It wasn’t just the trophies — it was his game-changing impact in tight moments, his creativity in the final third, and his leadership in a post-Mbappe PSG. At 28, Dembele finally stepped out of the shadows to become one of Europe’s most effective wide men — and a front-running Ballon d’Or nominee.
Raphinha: The machine Barcelona never knew they needed
Had Barcelona succeeded in signing Nico Williams last summer, Raphinha might have been shown the door. Instead, he exploded into one of the most productive players in Europe. Raphinha racked up 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 games, emerging as the heartbeat of Barcelona’s attack and the standout performer in Hansi Flick’s debut season.
Raphinha’s 18 goals and 11 assists didn’t just light up La Liga — they crowned him the league’s finest, earning him the Player of the Season award.
He added 13 goals and 9 assists in the UEFA Champions League, guiding Barcelona to the semi-finals. Even in elimination, he was among the few who looked capable of turning the game around.
With career-best stats and a domestic treble to his name, Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or credentials rest not on buzz, but undeniable results.
Who will stand tallest?
All three players delivered historic campaigns — different in style, but equal in weight.
At 17, Yamal is chasing a record untouched since Ronaldo Nazario in 1997 — no player has won the Ballon d’Or this young.
Dembele finally justified his price tag and potential.
He might fly under the radar, but Raphinha’s output and steady brilliance speak louder than any hype.
Each has a case. Each has a cabinet brimming with silver. And each has a signature moment this season that lit up the football world. Whether it’s Yamal bending reality at 17, Dembele finally soaring on the big stage, or Raphinha bulldozing through doubters with numbers Messi would nod at — this Ballon d’Or race has more flavour than it’s had in years.
Three stories. One golden ball. And as the world watches, only one name will be crowned.
So — who deserves to rise above the rest and crown their season with football’s ultimate individual glory?
Or, can you really look past a 17-year-old who’s already rewriting the script?
