Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal shared personal moments on Instagram after attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. The 18-year-old posted pictures with his award, along with photos alongside his father and grandmother. Yamal expressed gratitude in his caption, writing,
“God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa trophy x2 and congratulate @o.dembele7 for the award and the great season☝🏾❤️.”
The young star won the Kopa Trophy for the second year in a row, recognizing him as the best under-21 player in the world.
The same day, Yamal posted a message of support for teammate Gavi, who is currently sidelined with a serious injury. He uploaded a picture of Gavi on his Instagram story and called him “my warrior.” Yamal added,
“I have no doubt that you’ll soon be back as the best as ever. Nothing can stop you. We’re all waiting for you. Lots of strength. I love you.”
His words reflected the close bond within Barcelona’s young core.
Ousmane Dembélé won Ballon d’Or instead of Lamine Yamal
Meanwhile, the main award of the night went to Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé, who edged Yamal for the Ballon d’Or. Dembélé, 28, scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 matches as PSG won a historic treble. The French club lifted Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League for the first time. PSG also reached the Club World Cup final, though they lost to Chelsea.
Dembélé became the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or, joining legends such as Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. Receiving the trophy from Ronaldinho made the moment even more special for him.
“What just happened to me is incredible. I worked hard to help PSG win, and I share this award with my teammates,” Dembélé said. He also thanked coach Luis Enrique, calling him “like a father.”
Lamine Yamal’s progress despite missing Ballon d’Or
Lamine Yamal may have missed out on the Ballon d’Or, but his progress at Barcelona has been remarkable. Last season, he helped Barça win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. His standout moments included goals in the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan and in El Clásico versus Real Madrid. At just 18, he has already become a vital player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Barcelona’s night at the ceremony also featured success on the women’s side. Aitana Bonmatí won her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, making history as only the third player ever to win three in a row. Teammate Vicky López collected the women’s Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player. The club continues to showcase its strength across both men’s and women’s football.
Barca will depend on Lamine Yamal and others in Gavi’s absence
Despite the celebrations, Barcelona faces challenges with Gavi’s absence. The midfielder suffered a significant injury and is expected to miss extended time.
“First team player Pablo Páez Gavira ‘Gavi’ has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus. Recovery time is estimated at around 4-5 months.” Barca updated on X in September 2024.
Known for his energy, vision, and leadership, Gavi is a central figure in Xavi Hernandez’s plans. His absence leaves a gap in midfield that will be difficult to fill. Coach Xavi may turn to young talents, including Yamal, to step up and carry the team forward.
Yamal’s posts after the awards highlight both his joy and his sense of responsibility. Celebrating his own achievements while supporting Gavi shows maturity beyond his years. Fans see him not just as a rising star but also as a leader in the making. His bond with teammates reflects the unity inside the Barcelona squad, even as they face difficult challenges.
For Yamal, winning the Kopa Trophy again is another step in his journey. He has said he wants to keep working and hopes to win more honors in the future. For Barcelona, his growth, alongside the return of players like Gavi, will be key to their success. While Dembélé holds the Ballon d’Or for now, many believe Yamal’s time will come soon.
Javier Tebas spoke about Lamine Yamal
LaLiga president Javier Tebas spoke about Lamine Yamal missing out on the Ballon d’Or. Tebas believes age played a role in the final result.
“If he had been older than 23, he would have won it, too, I’m sure,” Tebas said, via ESPN.
He explained that voters gave Yamal the Kopa Trophy instead, which honors the best player under 21.
Yamal, who turned 18 in July, finished second to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé. The PSG forward scored 35 goals as his team won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League. Barcelona’s Yamal also had a strong season, scoring 18 goals in 55 games. He helped his team win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had a different view. He suggested that the Champions League was the deciding factor in the Ballon d’Or race. Yamal accepted the Kopa Trophy and said:
“I need to keep on working to win other awards in the future.”
Tebas, however, remains certain about Yamal’s future success.
“If he continues at the level he’s at, which seems likely, I think there’s no doubt he’ll win the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
Lamine Yamal’s father calls Ballon d’Or loss “moral damage”
Lamine Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraou, shared his frustration after his son missed out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Barcelona star finished second to Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé. Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, Nasraou said:
“I think this is the biggest, I won’t say theft, but moral damage done to a human being.”
He explained that his opinion was not based on being Yamal’s father.
“It’s not because he’s my son but because he’s the best player in the world,” Nasraou said. “I believe there are no rivals. Lamine is Lamine Yamal. Something very strange has happened here.” He added with confidence: “Next year there will be a Spanish Ballon d’Or winner.”
Yamal, 18, had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals in 55 appearances as Barcelona won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. Dembélé, meanwhile, scored 35 goals for PSG, who won a historic treble, including the Champions League.
Despite the disappointment, Yamal made history by winning the Kopa Trophy for the second straight year. His father’s strong comments underline the belief in his potential.