The Leading Contenders
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): Widely seen as the frontrunner. A Champions League triumph, domestic trophies, and a career-defining season make his case hard to beat. His redemption story only adds weight.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): At just 17, he’s already made history with Barcelona and Spain. Standout performances in La Liga and Euro 2025 mean he could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): A Premier League champion and still one of the most consistent forwards in world football. His lack of a European trophy might hold him back, but his season was elite.
- Dark Horses: Vitinha (PSG), Raphinha, and others — impressive campaigns but unlikely to leapfrog the main trio.
Who Deserves It?
- Dembélé: Champions League + treble = classic Ballon d’Or winner profile.
- Yamal: The fairytale pick — a teenager rewriting records with big-game brilliance.
- Salah: The steady hand, delivering in the toughest league in the world.
My Take
- Will win: Ousmane Dembélé. The combination of silverware, stats, and narrative is too strong.
- Should win: I lean Dembélé too, but if Yamal’s name is read out, it would be iconic for the sport.
️ Your turn: The stage is set for 22 September in Paris. Who do YOU think will take home football’s biggest individual prize — the comeback king Dembélé, the wonderkid Yamal, or Salah’s consistency? Let’s hear your picks 
