Ballon d'Or play-off? Lamine Yamal lays down gauntlet to Ousmane Dembele as Spain & France stars prepare for Nations League semi-final battle

Dembele, revitalised at Paris Saint-Germain, has played a starring role in their treble-winning campaign, securing Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League. His output this season has been remarkable, with 35 goals across all competitions for both club and country.

Not to be outdone, 17-year-old Yamal has been a driving force for Barcelona, contributing to their domestic dominance. He lifted La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana, while also impressing again for the Spain national team. Yamal has scored 19 goals across all platforms, an impressive tally for a teenager still breaking into the elite level. However, it must be noted that Dembele has already beaten Yamal to the Champions League Player of the Season award, after PSG brushed aside Inter 5-0 in the final.

With both players enjoying phenomenal seasons for club and country, the stakes are sky-high in the race for the Golden Ball. The Nations League semi-final between Spain and France is being billed as a potential decider in what’s becoming a two-horse race for the most prestigious individual award in world football. However, rather than playing into the drama, Yamal challenged the logic behind basing the award on one match.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster El Partidazo on Monday, Yamal said: "I am confident that we [Spain] will win on Thursday, but whether we win or not, I would still vote for the best player in the world. If Thursday doesn’t go the way I want or Dembele wants, then what? You’re voting for someone else who plays on Sunday? I’m the kind of person who votes for the best player over the whole year. But if people want to risk it all on one game, well… we can play that game then."

The teenage forward then cheekily added: “I’d give it to the best player of the year… and I’d keep it for myself.”

Spain and France face off in Stuttgart for a ticket to Sunday’s Nations League final. The other semi-final sees hosts Germany take on Portugal on Wednesday, meaning a mouthwatering final is guaranteed regardless of the outcome. But one thing is certain: with both Yamal and Dembele in sensational form and determined to outshine the other, football fans can expect a masterclass in Stuttgart, and perhaps a glimpse at the next Ballon d’Or winner in action.