In a recent statement that has ignited discussion among football fans, the iconic Zlatan Ibrahimovic has declared that Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was the player who truly deserved to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, asserting that the award should honor the individual who makes the greatest difference on the pitch.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “I would have given the Ballon d’Or to Lamine Yamal”
The prestigious award, which was presented last month, was won by Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele, with the 18-year-old Yamal finishing as the runner-up.
Ibrahimovic, a former Barcelona striker known for his own legendary career and outspoken opinions, made his stance clear while speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
He focused on what he believes should be the core criterion for the Ballon d’Or.
“You have to judge the player on his ability to make a difference individually,” Ibrahimovic stated.
“For me, Yamal did. I would have given it to Yamal”.
His endorsement places him alongside other notable figures like former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who have also voiced their belief that Yamal was the deserving winner.
The young Spaniard’s second-place finish is nevertheless a historic achievement, making him one of the youngest players ever to rank so highly in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
The decision has naturally split opinion. On social media and in comment sections, some fans have echoed Ibrahimovic’s sentiments, with one noting that Yamal possesses “that extra touch only few players are lucky to have”.
However, others have argued that Dembélé’s role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League victory made him a worthy winner.
Another contingent of fans has suggested that Yamal’s own teammate, Raphinha, was even more instrumental for Barcelona and more deserving of the top spot than the young winger.
While the Golden Orb eluded him this year, Yamal did not leave the Paris ceremony empty-handed; he secured the Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year, reaffirming his status as the best young player in the world.
At just 18 years old, his second-place finish in the main Ballon d’Or race signals that he is likely to be a contender for the top honor for many years to come.
