Lamine Yamal must 'prove' himself more as Real Madrid legend picks another star to win Ballon d'Or ahead of Barcelona sensation

Legendary Real Madrid midfielder Makelele has become the latest former footballing icon to chime in on the Ballon d'Or discussion. The Frenchman snubbed Yamal — who has been touted to be among the hot favourites to lift the accolade — and instead picked his compatriot Ousmane Dembele to win the award this year.

Yamal had a breathtaking 2024-25 season for both club and country. In 62 games across all competitions, the winger scored 21 goals and contributed as many as 25 assists, helping Barcelona win La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana. With Spain, he finished runners-up in the Nations League. Overall, it was an outstanding campaign, during which he made a significant impact in the most crucial matches and came agonisingly close to leading Barcelona to their first Champions League final appearance since 2015.

On the other hand, Dembele produced a historic season in a newfound false nine role under Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 33 goals in 49 games and guiding them to an unprecedented quadruple achievement, which included their maiden Champions League glory. The Frenchman, owing to his contributions in all competitions won by PSG, is widely considered to be the frontrunner to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Speaking to AS, Makelele was asked to choose which player he would give the Ballon d'Or to this year. He said: "To Dembele. Lamine still needs to prove himself over a longer period of time. Ousmane started earlier. If we give it to the young one, Lamine... (laughs). He needs to show more. Let him be, he's a kid, he's a talent. Don't beat him up."

Dembele can further rubber-stamp his credentials to win this year's Ballon d'Or by guiding PSG to Club World Cup glory. Luis Enrique's troops will face Real Madrid in the semi-final on Wednesday. Meanwhile, reports claim that Yamal is planning a secret 18th birthday party in Ibiza, right before the Blaugrana return for pre-season duties.