The Ballon d’Or race has taken a fascinating twist as established stars fall behind and fresh forces rise with electrifying form. Mohamed Salah, once a mainstay among the frontrunners, now finds himself fading in the shadows of breakout talents.
Leading this new charge are Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé — two players who have not only delivered consistently but elevated their teams in critical moments. While Dembélé dazzles under the Parisian lights, Yamal’s meteoric rise promises a generational shift in football’s individual hierarchy.
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Dembélé’s Career Renaissance Ignites Paris Saint-Germain’s Charge
Ousmane Dembélé is enjoying a renaissance few predicted. The French winger has seamlessly stepped into a leadership role at Paris Saint-Germain following Kylian Mbappé’s departure. That transition has unlocked a more ruthless version of Dembélé — one who now dictates tempo, shreds defenses, and finishes with precision.
The 27-year-old winger has amassed 33 goals and 13 assists in just 46 appearances across all competitions. His timing couldn’t be better, with a significant portion of those goals arriving in pivotal UEFA Champions League encounters. Dembélé’s stellar run includes a strike against Manchester City, a hat-trick that dismantled VfB Stuttgart, and a goal-fest in the knockout rounds against Stade Brestois, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
He didn’t stop there — two crucial assists across both legs versus Aston Villa further underlined his evolution into a complete forward. These high-impact performances on the continental stage have not only propelled PSG deep into Europe but pushed Dembélé to the forefront of the Ballon d’Or discussion
Yamal’s Meteoric Rise Challenges Established Elites
While Dembélé dominates with experience, Lamine Yamal represents youthful brilliance erupting at the highest level. The Barcelona teenager continues to surprise global audiences with maturity, skill, and flair well beyond his age. Though still early in his professional journey, Yamal has already influenced games of great magnitude.
Analysts and fans alike have begun to view him as more than a prospect — he’s now a legitimate Ballon d’Or contender. His technical wizardry, quick decision-making, and uncanny ability to dictate games against top-tier opponents have elevated his status from starlet to star.
Salah’s Momentum Wanes Amid Rising Competition
In contrast to Dembélé and Yamal’s rapid ascent, Mohamed Salah finds himself losing momentum in the most crucial stretch of the season. The Egyptian forward remains an elite contributor, yet his impact has paled in comparison to those making headlines week after week in Europe’s most competitive fixtures.
Salah’s relative silence in major Champions League moments this season has cost him dearly in the ever-shifting Ballon d’Or narrative. With rivals stepping up on grander occasions, his chances of clinching football’s most prestigious individual prize appear to be slipping away.
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FAQs
Why is Ousmane Dembélé a Ballon d’Or contender in 2025?
Ousmane Dembélé earned Ballon d’Or recognition by scoring 33 goals and providing 13 assists across 46 matches, including crucial Champions League performances for PSG.
Has Mohamed Salah fallen behind in the Ballon d’Or race?
Yes, Mohamed Salah has dropped out of the top Ballon d’Or conversation due to limited impact in major Champions League matches this season.
What did Dominique Sévérac say about the Ballon d’Or race?
Dominique Sévérac said, “[Dembélé is] one step away from the Ballon d’Or… Otherwise, it will probably be Lamine Yamal,” highlighting Dembélé and Yamal as top contenders.
How has Dembélé performed in the Champions League this season?
Dembélé scored against Manchester City, netted a hat trick versus Stuttgart, and added goals and assists in knockout games against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.
Can Lamine Yamal win the Ballon d’Or this year?
Yes, Lamine Yamal could win the Ballon d’Or if he continues his stunning form and outshines Dembélé in key tournaments.
