Barcelona star Gavi has revealed his top contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, putting forward two familiar names from his own dressing room.
The young midfielder believes that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and French forward Ousmane Dembele are in strong contention for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
While many fans and analysts are tipping Dembele as the frontrunner after an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, which culminated in a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, Gavi sees things slightly differently.
In a conversation with Catalunya Radio, as cited by Goal, Gavi backed Dembele to secure a podium finish, but reserved the highest praise for 17-year-old Yamal, whom he believes deserves to win it all.
“Dembele has had an incredible season and should be in the top three for sure, but what Lamine has done this season is exceptional, a unique player,” Gavi said.
Yamal enjoyed a phenomenal campaign, racking up 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions. His efforts were pivotal in Barcelona clinching a domestic treble, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
