A Barcelona player with a frustrated expression appears in the foreground, while in the background the Ballon d'Or ceremony stage and a prominent trophy in a circle can be seen.
Lamine Yamal is not the favorite for the Ballon d'Or according to this great former Madrid player | Camara Enrique Sanz
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A Madridist legend slams Lamine Yamal over the Ballon d'Or, chooses its winner

The former Madrid player delivers a verdict on the Barça talent in the most recognized individual award

by

Enrique Sanz

One of the most exciting debates currently present in the European soccer elite is the next winner of the Ballon d'Or. Given the controversy that occurred during the last edition, many are taking part in a debate in which there is no clear winner... although there are multiple names in the running.

Two of the most recognizable candidates emerging from Spanish soccer are Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. The Bondy striker has lost considerable ground in the race for the award organized by UEFA and France Football, while the Barça number 19 is one of the most prominent favorites.

Soccer player in a blue and red Barcelona uniform on the field during a match, with his hand over his mouth and a thoughtful expression.
Lamine Yamal during an FC Barcelona match in the 24/25 season | Real Madrid Confidencial

Given this situation, the debate revolves around the FC Barcelona striker. Even during the Club World Cup, a competition in which Hansi Flick's players haven't participated. A Real Madrid legend, an internationally successful midfielder, has spoken candidly about the chances of the player from Rocafonda.

"Lamine still needs to show things over a longer period", says Claude Makélélé. The former French stopper, one of the most memorable footballers from early-century Real Madrid, makes it clear that "he needs to show more" to consistently aspire to the Ballon d'Or. "Let's leave him be, he's a kid, he's a talent, don't crush him", asks the former Madrid player.

He has no doubts

Claude Makélélé asks for more time for Lamine Yamal, with the goal of showing whether he can keep the level needed to aspire to the Ballon d'Or season after season. Having ruled out the FC Barcelona footballer, the French star points to his winner for this particular debate: Ousmane Dembélé.

In the retired midfielder's opinion, PSG's number 10 would have accumulated enough sporting merit to win his first Ballon d'Or. Both individually and collectively, Claude Makélélé points to "Dembélé" as the deserving winner of this renowned individual trophy. "Ousmane started earlier" in the European soccer elite, argues the former Madrid number 24.

Soccer player in a white uniform tries to control the ball while being pressured by an opponent in a yellow and black uniform during a match in a packed stadium.
Kylian Mbappé during the Real Madrid-Borussia Dortmund quarterfinal of the Club World Cup | Real Madrid Confidencial

The Ballon d'Or debate will be affected by what happens in the Club World Cup. Claude Makélélé points to his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé as the best positioned to win that individual award: the best way to secure that victory is against Real Madrid.

The semifinal match of the competition organized by FIFA could be the argument that settles a debate that has been embellishing European competitions for months... but it could also bring in a Kylian Mbappé who is making his best efforts to regain lost ground over the last two years, precisely at PSG.

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