Osamane Dembele who stole the show at the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala in Paris on Monday night tips Lamine Yamal to win the Ballom d'Or award in the future as he deems the teenage sensation as a huge prospect for the prestigious plaque one day.

Ousmane Dembélé’s words after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or were as gracious as they were telling. In a moment that could have been all about personal triumph, the PSG forward chose to spotlight his closest rival, Lamine Yamal, calling their competition “a great battle.”

“We’ve all seen him play all season, he’s extraordinary, with great maturity,” Dembélé said. “I think he’s going to be winning a lot of trophies like the Ballon d’Or.”

It’s a powerful gesture—one that not only acknowledges Yamal’s brilliance but also sets the tone for a respectful rivalry that could define the next generation of football. Dembélé’s win capped a treble-winning season with PSG, while Yamal, still just 18, dazzled with 21 goals and 26 assists for Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal posed with his Kopa Trophy for Best U21 Player—the first footballer ever to win it back-to-back.

The Ballon d’Or may have gone to Dembélé this year, but the torch is clearly being passed. And if both players continue on this trajectory, we’re looking at a decade of unforgettable duels.