Gavi backs Lamine Yamal to win Ballon d'Or ahead of Ousmane Dembele after 'exceptional' season for Barcelona

The race to land a prestigious Golden Ball in 2025 is well and truly on after a thrilling end to another domestic and continental season. Several household names consider themselves to be in with a chance of being named the best player on the planet.

Mohamed Salah enjoyed another record-setting campaign at Premier League champions Liverpool, while World Cup winner Dembele registered 33 goals for treble-winning Paris Saint-Germain as they made history by savouring European Cup success for the first time.

Brazil international Raphinha enjoyed a stunning season with Barca, as they won three trophies of their own, while his club colleague Yamal has become a global superstar at just 17 years of age.

Gavi believes that the teenage wonderkid deserves Ballon d’Or recognition, telling Tot Costa on Catalunya Radio: “Dembele has had an incredible season and should be in the top three for sure, but what Lamine has done this season is exceptional, a unique player.”

Yamal posted 14 goals and 16 assists for La Liga title holders Barca in 2024-25. He has since agreed a new contract, which can be signed when he turns 18 in July, and the future looks bright for the Blaugrana.

Gavi admits much, saying when asked what Barca need to do in the summer transfer window: “We have a great team and we don't need many signings, really. Bringing in one or two will depend on the performances. We'll see. Maybe we could bring someone up top, but that's Deco's job.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or will be handed out at Theatre du Chatelet in central Paris on September 22, with iconic performers from across world football set to be in attendance at that ceremony.