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Football Insider

Lamine Yamal Takes CIES Football Observatory 'Golden Ball' Award over Mbappe & Pedri with Dembele Missing Out on Top Five

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal clinches the prestigious 'Golden Ball' award from CIES Football Observatory, beating out Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe. Shockingly, Ballon d'Or favorite Ousmane Dembele fails to secure a spot in the top five rankings despite high expectations.

Lamine Yamal Takes CIES Football Observatory 'Golden Ball' Award over Mbappe & Pedri with Dembele Missing Out on Top Five

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named “Golden Ball” winner by CIES Football Observatory, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe claiming the runner-up spot. There is no place in the top five for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele despite the World Cup-winning France international being favourite to land the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025.

1

The Rise of Lamine Yamal

Barcelona's young talent, Lamine Yamal, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the football world. His exceptional skills and performances have earned him the 'Golden Ball' recognition from CIES Football Observatory, solidifying his position as a rising star.

2

Mbappe's Runner-Up Finish

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe secured the second position in the rankings, showcasing his prowess on the field and consistent performance throughout the season. Despite missing out on the top spot, Mbappe's talent remains undeniable.

3

Dembele's Unexpected Omission

Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele faced a surprising setback as he failed to make it to the top five despite being a frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or title in 2025. The exclusion raises eyebrows and stirs debates within the football community.

Published on September 22, 2025