The countdown is on: in simply two weeks, the Ballon d’Or 2025 shall be awarded on the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, September 22. With voting already closed and outcomes sealed by France Soccer, anticipation is mounting. On the heart of the dialog is Kylian Mbappé, who has publicly voiced his assist for Ousmane Dembélé, whereas fellow Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal additionally emerges as a high contender
Amid the hypothesis, Mbappé, the brand new No. 10 at Actual Madrid, has brazenly thrown his assist behind his teammate Dembélé. Talking on the French tv program Telefoot, Mbappé averted fueling rivalry by refusing to remark straight on Lamine Yamal, saying:
“He’s a Barça participant, and we can’t say something. Dembélé has deserved it from the beginning, and I’ve given him my assist. I additionally hope Hakimi is positioned excessive within the rankings.”
Mbappé’s phrases mirror each loyalty and warning. By supporting Dembélé, he not solely backs a detailed pal and membership colleague but in addition avoids controversy at Madrid concerning reward for a Barcelona participant.
Ballon d’Or politics are nothing new
The strain between Actual Madrid and Barcelona has usually spilled into the Ballon d’Or debate. Even legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano confronted this dynamic. In 2011, he admitted: “Messi is the perfect on the planet, his soccer is spectacular, and he’s an instance of professionalism.” However simply two years later, when Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had been neck and neck for the prize, Di Stéfano modified his tune: “Messi is nice, however not at Cristiano’s degree. My vote could be for Cristiano. You at all times should assist your personal, even when you don’t say it out loud.”
see additionally
Barcelona sweats over Lamine Yamal’s health after harm scare on worldwide responsibility: Will Spain’s star be prepared for Turkey showdown?
That very same “assist your personal” mentality now appears to use to Mbappé as effectively, who has joined Actual Madrid in 2025 and is already navigating the membership’s political and cultural expectations.
Younger voices and shifting views
Apparently, youthful Actual Madrid figures like Franco Mastantuono have proven they’re much less certain by custom. Not too long ago, the Argentine midfielder known as Lionel Messi the perfect participant ever, even above the legends of Madrid’s previous. This generational shift highlights how Messi’s affect continues to transcend membership rivalries, even because the Ballon d’Or race turns towards new stars like Dembélé and Yamal.
