### The 2025 Ballon d'Or Race: A Dramatic Shift Following Nations League Final As the football community gears up for the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled for September 22, the race has taken a surprising turn. Lamine Yamal, once a frontrunner, faced a setback after Spain's defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout. This loss has shifted the spotlight onto Ousmane Dembélé, who has emerged as a strong contender for the prestigious award, following his impressive performances throughout the season. ### Breakdown of the Current Ballon d'Or Contenders 1. **Lamine Yamal's Journey**: - Yamal was initially seen as a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or, especially after his standout performances in the UEFA Nations League semifinals against France, where he played a pivotal role in Spain's victory [https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35282188/spain-france-yamal-ballon-dor-fightback-ronaldo-clash]. - Despite his contributions to Barcelona's domestic treble, doubts about his chances have surfaced following Spain's recent loss [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/soccer/lamine-yamal-vs-ousmane-dembele-whos-the-ballon-dor-favorite-after-spains-uefa-nations-league-final-defeat-against-portugal]. 2. **Ousmane Dembélé's Rise**: - Dembélé has been recognized for his exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, particularly after helping the team secure the UEFA Champions League title [https://www.news9live.com/sports/sports-illustrated/fe9b13b4/lets-play-lamine-yamal-sends-ballon-dor-challenge-to-main-rival]. - His consistent performance has led many, including notable figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé, to endorse him as a favorite for the award [https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1658716-kylian-mbappe-picks-2025-ballon-d-or-winner-ousmane-dembele-lamine-yamal]. 3. **Public and Expert Opinions**: - The debate surrounding the Ballon d'Or has intensified, with various football legends and analysts weighing in on who deserves the accolade. Many have highlighted the significance of the Nations League final in determining the winner [https://www.business-standard.com/sports/football-news/will-nations-league-triumph-confirm-the-ballon-d-or-for-lamine-yamal-125060800549_1.html]. - Yamal himself has expressed uncertainty about his chances, stating that he does not focus on the award but rather on his performance and contributions to the team [https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/i-dont-think-about-winning-ballon-dor-lamine-yamal.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Performances**: - Yamal's performance in the UEFA Nations League semifinals was crucial, where he helped Spain secure a thrilling victory over France [https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/45460100/lamine-yamal-ballon-dor-spain-france-uefa-nations-league]. - Dembélé's contributions to PSG's Champions League triumph have been highlighted as a significant factor in his Ballon d'Or candidacy [https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-if-defended-luis-enrique-picks-2025-ballon-d-or-winner-guiding-psg-champions-league-glory]. - **Current Rankings**: - Recent analyses have shown a shift in the Ballon d'Or power rankings, with Dembélé overtaking Yamal as the favorite following the Nations League final [https://tribuna.com/en/news/2025-06-03-dembele-overtakes-lamine-yamal-in-goals-ballon-dor-power-ranking]. ### Conclusion: The Ballon d'Or Landscape Post-Nations League In summary, the 2025 Ballon d'Or race has become increasingly competitive, particularly after Spain's recent defeat in the Nations League final. 1. **Dembélé's Position**: Ousmane Dembélé has solidified his status as a leading contender due to his remarkable season with PSG and their Champions League victory. 2. **Yamal's Challenge**: Lamine Yamal, despite his earlier strong performances, faces an uphill battle following Spain's loss, which has raised questions about his candidacy. 3. **Expert Opinions**: The football community remains divided, with various experts and players weighing in on who should ultimately claim the prestigious award. As the ceremony approaches, the narrative surrounding these two players will continue to evolve, making the upcoming months crucial for both contenders [https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/yamal-dembele-standout-favourites-for-2025-ballon-dor.html].
