Overview
- Yamal finished runner-up to Ousmane Dembélé at the 2025 Ballon d’Or and in early June 2026 told fans on his YouTube channel that missing out was good for his personal development.
- He admitted he expected to win on the night but explained that being very young meant he might not have appreciated the award then.
- Yamal described a positive, hands-on relationship with Dembélé, saying the PSG forward called him during a difficult period and helped him mature.
- Despite suffering multiple injuries last season, Yamal posted strong numbers — reported as 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 matches — and recovered to lead Barcelona’s attack heading into the 2026 World Cup.
- Coverage notes that Dembélé’s club success and other contenders strengthen rivals’ claims to future honours, so Yamal’s chances for a Ballon d’Or now largely depend on his performance at the World Cup.