Which young Barcelona star was the runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d'Or behind Ousmane Dembele?

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony saw Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Ousmane Dembélé crowned the winner, a testament to his exceptional season. Finishing as the runner-up for the prestigious award was Barcelona's prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal, an eighteen-year-old who captivated the football world with his dazzling performances. This outcome underscored both Dembélé's career-defining year and Yamal's incredible emergence as a global superstar.

Dembélé's triumph was the culmination of a stellar 2024/25 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain securing a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. He was instrumental in their domestic double as well, contributing an impressive 37 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. His consistent brilliance and decisive contributions in critical matches earned him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award, solidifying his status as the best player in the world for that period.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal's second-place finish was remarkable, especially considering his tender age. At just eighteen, he became the youngest player ever nominated for the Ballon d'Or. Yamal was a driving force behind Barcelona's domestic treble, which included the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. He also led the Spanish national team to the Euro 2024 title, where he was deservedly named the Young Player of the Tournament. His exceptional skill and impact were further recognized with his second consecutive Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world's best young player, making him the first footballer to achieve this feat.