'He enchants us all' - Lamine Yamal proving that 'experience isn't everything' as Lothar Matthaus gives Ballon d'Or to Spain star ahead of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha

Former Ballon d'Or awardee and the German international Matthaus has publicly thrown his support behind Spain’s teenage sensation Yamal for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembele and and Barcelona team-mate Raphinha. Despite Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal, Yamal’s impact for both club and country this season has made him a standout contender. "If I had a vote for the Ballon d'Or, I'd give it to him," Matthaus wrote in his column on Sky Sport.

At just 17, Spanish starlet Yamal has become a central figure for both Barcelona and the national team, playing a key role in helping Barca clinch a historic treble under Hansi Flick. While Dembele and Raphinha also enjoyed outstanding seasons and remain strong contenders for the prestigious award, Matthaus believes Yamal’s flair, maturity, and game-changing ability set him apart. The Nations League final loss hasn’t diminished his chances, especially with the Ballon d’Or gala set for September.

In his latest column, German legend Matthaus took a broader view of international football, turning his attention to standout players, and singled out a rising Spanish star for special praise. The former Ballon d'Or winner made it clear who would get his vote for this year’s award: "Lamine Yamal is currently demonstrating for Spain that experience isn't everything. If I had a vote for the Ballon d'Or, I'd give it to him. Ousmane Dembele, who won the Champions League, league and cup treble with Paris Saint-Germain and scored a lot of goals, would also deserve it. So would Barcelona's Raphinha, who, like Yamal, has had a fantastic season and, like Yamal, won three titles in Spain and delivered strong performances in the premier class."

He continued: "I think these three players are the favorites, but for me Yamal stands out with the way he enchants us all."

Yamal assisted in the Nations League final and was central to Spain’s attacking play despite their shootout defeat to Portugal. With 19 goals and 26 assists in 2024–25, he had a hand in 45 goals, more than any other teenager in elite football. He won La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana, and is in contention to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history, as no player has ever won the Ballon d'Or before turning 21.

The Ballon d'Or nominations drop on August 13, with the ceremony set for September 22 in Paris. Yamal will now prepare for the new La Liga season as the Camp Nou club aim to defend their domestic titles under coach Flick.