The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris was presupposed to be an evening of celebration, nevertheless it has as an alternative ignited probably the most heated debates in current soccer historical past. Ousmane Dembele’s crowning because the world’s greatest participant capped a shocking 12 months for Paris Saint-Germain, however for a lot of, particularly in Barcelona, the evening led to disappointment. Lamine Yamal, at simply 18 years outdated, completed runner-up, regardless of dazzling Europe all through the season. His father, Mounir Nasraoui, made positive his discontent was heard, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the outcome with a daring six-word declare that has shaken the soccer world.
Dembele’s Ballon d’Or victory was backed by numbers that will be troublesome for any participant to match. The French ahead recorded 35 targets and 16 assists throughout 53 appearances, guiding PSG to an unprecedented treble—Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the long-awaited UEFA Champions League. His constant brilliance in decisive moments made him a favourite heading into the awards.
Throughout the stage, Yamal saved his composure, posing with the Kopa Trophy, which he received for the second 12 months working. The Barcelona prodigy registered 18 targets and 25 assists throughout all competitions, serving to his membership safe La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Tremendous Cup. Regardless of lacking out on Europe’s high honor, Yamal made historical past as the primary participant ever to assert the Kopa Trophy back-to-back.
What did Mounir Nasraoui say about Dembele’s win?
However the calmness proven by Yamal was not shared by his father. In a fiery response on El Chiringuito, Mounir Nasraoui declared the outcome an ethical injustice. “It’s the largest, I received’t say theft, however it’s ethical harm to a human being. Lamine Yamal is by far the very best participant on this planet, and I’m not saying that as a result of he’s my son. There aren’t any rivals. Lamine is Lamine Yamal,” he argued.
Then got here the daring six-word declare: “One thing very unusual has occurred right here.” The phrases resonated throughout Spain and past, fuelling theories and debates over whether or not the teenager ought to have taken the crown as an alternative of Dembele.
The teenage star’s father went even additional, making a promise in regards to the future. “Subsequent 12 months the Ballon d’Or can be Spanish,” he declared confidently, a vow that has develop into a rallying cry for Blaugrana supporters.
