Marcus Rashford Speaks Out on Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal Ballon d’Or Race | OneFootball

The Ballon d’Or debate is set to heat up as the 2025-26 football season is now underway. At the center of the conversation are PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé and FC Barcelona standout Lamine Yamal.

Dembélé shone in 2024-25, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists in 53 appearances for the capital club. He played a pivotal role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, which included the UEFA Champions League.

Yamal, meanwhile, also impressed last season. The teenager tallied 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games for Barcelona, helping the team secure the league title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. His standout performances have strengthened his case for the prestigious award.

Can PSG star Ousmane Dembélé win the Ballon d’Or?

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In an interview with SPORT (h/t Le10Sport), FC Barcelona newcomer Marcus Rashford shared his thoughts with the Spanish media outlet over who should win the Ballon d’Or. It was no surprise that the England standout is backing his new teammate in Yamal to lift the honor.

“Can Yamal win the Ballon d’Or? Yes, definitely,” Rashford said. “If he doesn’t win it this year, he will in the future. Dembélé, Raphinha—they all deserve it. It’s hard to choose one, but they are all mature and have had a fantastic season. Lamine is so young; he will win it.”