Latest news with #2025Ballond'Or
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele face off in Nations League clash amid Ballon d'Or race
Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, meet as Spain faces France in the UEFA Nations League semifinal. Both players delivered standout club and international seasons, with Dembele leading in goals and Yamal excelling in assists, minutes played, and dribbles across major competitions Spain's Lamine Yamal and France's Ousmane Dembele headline the UEFA Nations League semifinal as both players vie for the 2025 Ballon d'Or following prolific club and international campaigns Image Source: Getty Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Spain and France will face off in the UEFA Nations League semifinal in Stuttgart, with the match spotlighting Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele , two leading contenders for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Both players scored in their respective quarterfinals and now enter the semifinal following standout seasons at club and international downplayed the significance of the match in the context of the Ballon d'Or race, stating his focus remains on performance over accolades. The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on September 22 in read: Spain vs France live streaming: Prediction, kick off time, how to watch UEFA Nations League semifinal free Dembele, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, finished the 2024–25 season with 33 goals and 13 assists, including two assists in PSG's Champions League final victory over Inter Milan. He was named the Champions League Player of the Season and won the Ligue 1 Golden the 17-year-old Barcelona winger, recorded 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions, while playing over 4,500 minutes, significantly more than Dembele's 3,286. Despite a lower goal tally, Yamal led in dribbles, duels won, and possession per-90 metrics, Dembele edged Yamal in shots (5.2 vs. 4.4), touches in the opposition box (9.2 vs. 7.5), and passing success (82.8 per cent vs. 78.9 per cent). Yamal, however, surpassed Dembele in dribble volume (9 vs. 4.6) and dribble success (53.5 per cent vs. 44.4 per cent).Dembele's 2024–25 campaign marked a major turning point in his career. After years of injuries and inconsistency, the French forward returned to form following a tactical shift in December, when PSG manager Luis Enrique moved him from right wing to center read: FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full schedule, groups, and key fixtures unveiled for U.S. debut The change triggered a run of 18 goals in 10 games, propelling Dembele to a 33-goal season total, including 21 in Ligue 1. He also added key contributions in the Nations League, scoring in wins over Belgium and Enrique endorsed Dembele's Ballon d'Or candidacy, citing his defensive work and leadership in addition to his offensive production. Dembele's summer will continue with Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup, offering another platform to strengthen his case for the individual Yamal's 2024–25 campaign included a La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, as well as a European Championship with Spain. He was named to the Champions League team of the year after consistent performances, including three goals in four El Clasico matches and standout displays against Inter who debuted for Barcelona at age 15, has now surpassed 100 senior appearances. His Champions League and domestic form drew praise from high-profile opponents and coaches, including Simone read: What to know about crash into parade of Liverpool soccer fans He recently signed a six-year contract extension with Barcelona, and the CIES Football Observatory valued him at €400 million. While still eligible for three more Ballon d'Or cycles before turning 21, Yamal remains focused on development over recognition.
Metro
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
When is the Ballon d'Or 2025 and what are the odds on the winner?
After Saturday night's Champions League final there now appears to be a clear favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Paris Saint-Germain romped to a stunning 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Munich, winning European football's biggest prize for the first time. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring, teenager Desire Doue netted twice, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia making it four and substitute Senny Mayulu completing the mauling late on. Manager Luis Enrique picked out another name for his Ballon d'Or tip, though, suggesting Ousmane Dembele should land the individual award for his team work. 'As a team, we have demonstrated an incredible way of defending,' said Enrique in his post match press conference. 'Everyone is talking about the Ballon d'Or. I would give it to Ousmane Dembele for his way of defending. 'He is a model, his pressing. In the final, he was exceptional. He deserves it for his goals but especially for his way of defending. 'We have put in some very high-level performances. Now we are going to celebrate that.' The Frenchman has also scored plenty of goals this season, netting 33 times in 49 appearances across all competitions. The bookmakers appear to agree with Enrique, slotting in Dembele as the favourite to claim the Ballon d'Or for the first time this year. The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held on Monday 22 September at the Theatre du Châtelet in Paris. The award is now given out for the past season rather than the past calendar year. Nominees will be announced in August. Ousmane Dembele 1/2 Lamine Yamal 11/4 Mohamed Salah 8/1 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 12/1 Raphinha 20/1 Gianluigi Donnarumma 25/1 Lautaro Martinez 33/1 Kylian Mbappe 50/1 Pedri 50/1 Odds courtesy of BetVictor Barcelona's incredible 17-year-old forward Lamine Yamal is the other player in the running to scoop the Ballon d'Or after a brilliant season. More Trending The teenager was a key figure in Barca's La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs, finishing the campaign with 18 goals in 55 games. Mohamed Salah is also in the running, but not being given a great chance by the bookmakers despite his 34 goals for Liverpool in all competitions and a second Premier League title with the Reds. As confirms: 'The 2025 awards will include the Men's and Women's Ballon d'Or, Men's and Women's Kopa Trophy (best young player), Men's and Women's Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Men's and Women's Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in club/national team), Men's and Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach in club/national team), Men's and Women's Club of the Year, and Sócrates Award, presented by L'Équipe group and Peace and Sport, for solidarity actions or societal causes carried out by a committed champion.' MORE: PSG vs Inter Milan: Predicted lineups and teams for Champions League final MORE: Champions League final odds: Paris Saint-Germain's youngsters can lift trophy for the first time but may need to go the distance against Inter Milan MORE: Gary Lineker names the 'amazing' player he doesn't want to win the Ballon d'Or
