Spanish Formula 1 driver, Carlos Sainz, has openly declared that Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, deserves to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025. Sainz, who is a loyal supporter of Real Madrid, admitted that despite his allegiance, Yamal’s brilliance on the field makes him the standout candidate for this year’s award. According to him, Yamal’s current performance level is unmatched, describing the winger as “absolutely excellent.” The Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place in Paris on Monday, where the best player in the world will officially be crowned. Yamal’s name features strongly among the top nominees for the award. Other key contenders include Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Barcelona’s Raphinha, and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe. Each of these players has enjoyed an outstanding season, but Sainz insists Yamal deserves the recognition above all. Speaking during an interview reported by ESPN, Sainz praised Yamal: “Ballon d’Or? I am a Real Madrid fan, but I would give the award to Lamine Yamal. He is a Barca player, but he is also a national team player. He is absolutely excellent and should be given the award because he is the best right now.” The statement reflects the growing admiration surrounding Yamal, who has not only shined at club level but also become a vital figure for the Spanish national team. His maturity, skill, and consistent performances at such a young age have positioned him as one of football’s most promising superstars.
The prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025 is beginning to gain momentum, as France Football—organisers of the renowned individual football accolade—have officially disclosed the date for the announcement of this year’s nominees. The update was shared through France Football’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that the list of shortlisted players for the 2025 edition will be released on August 7th. Traditionally, the nominee list comprises 30 outstanding footballers from around the world. These elite players will later be evaluated, with the final winner set to be announced on September 22nd. In the previous edition, Rodri of Manchester City claimed the honour, edging past contenders like Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid. However, Rodri may not feature among the top 30 this time, owing to a serious long-term injury that sidelined him for the majority of the current season. This year, stars from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona are anticipated to dominate the nominees’ list. Both clubs have exhibited stellar performances across European and domestic competitions. PSG clinched the UEFA Champions League title and secured additional silverware, reinforcing their dominance in European football. Meanwhile, Barcelona showcased their superiority by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, achieving an impressive domestic treble. Likely candidates expected to appear on the shortlist include Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, and Robert Lewandowski.
