Mbappe Chooses Dembele Over Yamal in Ballon d’Or Endorsement
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has declined to support Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or. Instead, he publicly endorsed his French national teammate, Ousmane Dembele.
The comments have added a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming award ceremony and highlight the fierce club rivalry in Spain.
Yamal’s Stellar Season for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal has enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 season. The Barcelona winger is now a leading contender for football’s highest individual honor.
He scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions. His incredible form was pivotal for Barcelona, helping them secure a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Mbappe’s Candid Ballon d’Or Remarks
When asked about Yamal’s candidacy, Mbappe acknowledged his talent but highlighted their club rivalry. He stopped short of offering his full endorsement.
“Lamine Yamal? He’s a very good player but he’s from Barcelona. I can’t say anything,” Mbappe stated.
The Real Madrid star then unequivocally backed Ousmane Dembele. Dembele was instrumental in PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign, which included the UEFA Champions League title.
“Ballon d’Or? Dembele deserves it. If it was up to me, I’d deliver to his house myself,” Mbappe added.
The Contenders for the Award
Both Dembele and Mbappe are nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Dembele recorded 35 goals and 16 assists for PSG last season.
Mbappe also had a brilliant year after his move to Real Madrid. He scored 44 goals, winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Official Ballon d’Or website for official history and updates
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