When the curtain falls on the football season 2024–25, a new interview begins – which deserves Ballon d’Or? This year’s debate is convincing, driven not only by heritage or fanfare, but by raw, undeniable numbers. When PSG finally picked up its Trophy of the Champions League of UEFA and Barcelona, who returned to home dominance, there were three names such as leading candidates: Oousman Dembele, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
All three played key roles for their clubs – but each of them had a season defined by different milestones. Dembele led PSG to unprecedented four times, silencing critics and fulfilling years of promise. In Spain, Yamal and Raphinha took Barcelona to a height, with a teenage break, while Brazilian finally entered its peak. Among the three of them, they scored more than 85 goals and registered 66 assists this season – numbers that firmly put them in Ballon d’Ob.
In addition to statistics, the narrative force lies: Yamal became the Spanish main act, Dembele redeemed his club heritage and Raphinha passed from almost sold to the leading line of his club. Here is a closer look at each of their cases.
Lamine Yamal: The Golden Teen Prodigy
At just 17 years, Lamine Yamal has a season that would notice legends. At this early age, Yamal wrapped the season with amazing 19 goals and 26 assists in all competitions – numbers that resist his age.
In the Barcelona season of the winned heights, Yamal was their creative pulse: he was driving into his pockets, carving open defense and performing in big matches. Lamine Yamal was one of the standout elements of Flick’s Barcelona. (Photo: Reuters)
Yamal’s magic, however, was not limited to club football. He lit up the Euro 2024, played a key role in the Spanish victory, followed by a stunning performance against France in the UEFA Nations-Dvions League semifinals twice scored VA Dramatic 5-4 victories over Dembele’s side. With four main trophies and consistent high-level performances, Yamal is not just a sensation-it’s a serious candidate for Ballon d’Or.
Ousmane Dembele: The Redemption Hero
After years of failures of injuries and missed chances, Oistic Dembele released the season of his life. With 33 goals and 15 assists he was the most dangerous PSG striker and provided major contributions in Ligue 1 and Europe. In the Champions League, the man was a big night-raised in the semifinals and the finals when Paris finally ended their UCL curse. Dembele became the main drive of the PSG Champions League. (Reuters Photo)
His efforts helped PSG to request a four -time historical: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophe des Champions. It wasn’t just trophies-it was his impact changing the game in close moments, his creativity in the last third and his leadership in the post-MBAPPE PSG. At the age of 28, Dembele finally stepped out of the shadows to become one of the most effective wide men in Europe-A nominated front ballon.
Raphinha: The Barcelona machine never knew it needed
If Barcelona managed to sign Nic Williams last summer, Raphinha could be shown by the door. Instead, he exploded into one of the most productive players in Europe. Raphinha has accumulated 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 games, emerged as a heart rhythm of the attack in Barcelona and Standout artist in the debut season of Hans Flick.
18 goals Raphinhy and 11 assists not only lit La Liga – crowned it with the most beautiful league, He earned him the prize of the player’s player.
Raphinha was the leader of Barcelona from the front. (Reuters Photo)
In the UEFA Champions League he added 13 goals and 9 assists and led to the semifinals Barcelona. Even in elimination, he was among the few who looked able to turn the game around.
With the best career statistics and home height, Raphinhovo Ballon d’Or is on buzzing, but undeniable results.
Who will cost the highest?
All three players showed historical campaigns – different in style, but straight weight.
At the age of 17, Yamal chases a record record from Ronaldo Nazario in 1997 – no player won Ballon D’Ir Young.
Dembele finally justified his price tag and potential.
He could fly under the radar, but Raphinh’s ascent and stable brilliance speak louder than any hype.
Everyone has a case. Each has a silver cabinet. And everyone has a signature moment this season, which lit up the football world. Whether it is Yamal bending reality at 17, Dembele finally rises on the big scene, or Raphinha Bulldozing through doubts with numbers that Messi would nod – this Ballon d’Or rays has more taste than in years.
Three stories. One gold ball. And as the world follows, only one name will be crowned.
So – Who deserves to get up over the rest and crown their season with the final individual glory of football?
Or, Can you really look around 17 -year -old who has already rewritten the script?
Published:
Debodinna Chakracorty
Published on:
6th June 2025
