Two of the most electrifying talents in world football, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, are set to face off in the Nations League semi-final, as Spain takes on France in Stuttgart on Thursday night. While a place in the final against Portugal is the prize, all eyes will also be on the personal duel between the two men leading the charge for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Both players have just concluded sensational club campaigns and were instrumental in their countries’ quarter-final victories. Yamal, only 17, dazzled for Barcelona, while Dembele, aged 28, enjoyed a stunning revival at Paris Saint-Germain. Their showdown is being touted as a defining moment in what has become one of the tightest Ballon d’Or races in years.
Yamal, ever grounded, has dismissed the suggestion that the match will sway the vote. “If you were voting for the Ballon d’Or, would you choose the best player of the year, or the one who wins the match on Thursday?” he asked in a recent interview with El Partidazo de COPE. “What I do is play and try to win.”
Statistically, the two stars have had contrasting seasons. Dembele leads in goals scored — 33 to Yamal’s 18 — and also boasts a far higher conversion rate. However, Yamal has played over 1,200 more minutes across all competitions, and contributed more assists, tackles, dribbles and duels won. The young Spaniard has not only shown flair but also an all-round contribution to his team’s play.
In terms of silverware, both players completed domestic trebles, but Dembele’s Champions League triumph with PSG, where he was named player of the tournament, gives him an edge in major honours. He also added the Ligue 1 Golden Boot and shone in France’s Nations League campaign.
It’s a far cry from where Dembele was just months ago. The Frenchman, whose career had long been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, transformed his season after being moved to a central striker role in December. He then went on a blistering scoring run, including 18 goals in 10 games, proving key in PSG’s treble-winning campaign. “He leads with goals, pressing, and leadership. That’s how you win a Ballon d’Or,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique.
For Yamal, this season has been about rewriting the limits of youth. He has become a regular match-winner for both Barcelona and Spain, scoring in Clasicos, Champions League thrillers, and international knockouts. Already past 100 appearances for Barça, he has made history as one of the most impactful teenagers ever seen.
Opposition managers and pundits alike are in awe. Inter boss Simone Inzaghi described Yamal as “the kind of talent that comes along every 50 years.” He nearly led Barça past Inter in a dramatic Champions League semi-final, earning a place in the tournament’s team of the season.
Influence of Yamal
Yamal’s influence in big moments, including a crucial goal in the quarter-final win over the Netherlands, has helped elevate his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or despite his age. He is already being valued at an astonishing €400m and has signed a new long-term deal with Barcelona.
With Ronaldo holding the record as the youngest Ballon d’Or winner at 21, Yamal has multiple shots at making history. But if he wins on Thursday and again in Sunday’s final, he might just do it this year.
Thursday’s semi-final is not just a battle for a trophy, but perhaps the decisive chapter in the race for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
