Ballon d’Or 2025: PSG’s Moment in the Spotlight

Tomorrow, September 22nd, football's biggest individual honour is set for return as 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony has promising drama, ambition and clash of narratives. All eyes will be facing Paris andThéâtre du Châtelet as conversations will be held of not just who should win, but who deserves it after whole season filled with drama and spectacle. 

It will be a big night for Paris Saint-Germain as they will be more visible than ever. Season was nothing short of historic, which proves as nine of their male players have been nominated, a record for one club.

Dembélé vs Yamal: The Frontrunner & Rising Star

Full focus and center of converstations are Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Dembélé , in many eyes, has done just enough to be crowned as best player, tomorrow in Paris. As he has been instrumental in PSG's run, with goals, assists, big performances, delivering in big games, when it mattered the most. Talking about trophy cabinet is nothing short of big success, as he was proud winner of Champions Leagues, domestic cups and being decisive across competitions gives him strong position and credentials. Many reports and pandits have him as frontrunner for this award.

Lamine Yamal,  seen as rising star, use his flair, consistency and big moments to shape his season, especially on international level. Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for young Lamine, as his performance against Franfce in Nations League, was nothing short but a statement. That match helped his claim, showing the whole world that he isn't just a wonderkind anymore, but someone who is in converstations for best players in the world. 

Narrative of this story and contrast of the battle feels more than just statistics. Experience vs promise, consistency vs moments, PSG hopes that Dembélé’s  sucessful campagin, impact in Europe, will be enough for the win in comparisons to young talent. But Yamal's popularity, style, bright moments gives him a chance that put's him in same conversation.

What the Past Tells Us & What PSG Can Learn

Combination of trophies, individual stats, importance and influence in big matches always mattered when choosing Ballon d’Or winners. Comparing past winners ( Messi, Ronaldo, etc ) always had to dominate in both club Europe and domestic level to even be considered for this award. Rodri's win in 2024 proved everyone that midfielders and even less "flashy" roles also have a chance to win. 

Big moments, Champions League knockout games, finals, moments where lights are shining brightest is what counts, they carry hugely.  Narration of story can make any game feel completely different. Leadership, consistency, overcoming pressure makes difference.  Margins for winning these awards are rather slim, Dembélé’s season may be seen as having central role, but his performances in decisive moments could be having question marks on them.

Younger players (Doué, Neves, others) may not win main award, but they are also running for Kopa trophy ( under age of 21 ) and they will have a chance to see in first place how thin these margins are.

What Will Decide the 2025 Ballon d’Or

Several factors are playing role in settling this race :

1. Trophy haul & major titles

PSG's treble plays perfect role in this scenario. As they've won domestically and also in Europe, thiselevates Dembélé as his involvement in winning Champions League was massive.

2. Individual impact vs statistics

Decisive influence when counting goals, assists , presence in the biggest moments, biggest games matters. Therefore, voters tend to reward those who combine high stats with influence on field.

3. Consistency across all competitions ( including international )

Main focus remains on club's football, as there's more to play for, but voters will not forget international football. Yamal's performances for Spain and also  Dembélé’s  with France will be counted for.

4. Narration of story

Story in football matters. Breakthrough talent, redemptions, stars finally shining with their full potential. Yamal's narative is strong as he's young and has style that attracts most, but Dembélé finally reaching his potentail, combined with redemption arc makes his story unique as well.

Final Take - Who Might Lift the Ball

Taking everything intoconsideration, Ousmane Dembélé is PSG’s best chance at winning the Ballon d’Or 2025. His season had everything that actually matters for voters. Had trophies, statistics, leadership, big and decisive game moments. Lamine Yamal may be considered as close behind and if the mood of voters takes them towards flair, youth, attractive football, he could very well be the winner. But in many reports and for many pundits, Dembélé’s treble andmainrole give him the edge.

For PSG, regardless of who wins tomorrow, this will be historic, landmarknight. Record nominations, strong display of power, and having season in style that cements players in history.

The Latest PSG News: