Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's 2025 Ballon d'Or disappointment sparks father's outburst

The 18-year-old did, however, make history by winning the Kopa Trophy for a second successive year, cementing his place as the most exciting young talent in world football. Despite that achievement, Yamal's family and Barcelona fans had been hoping to see him crowned with the game's most prestigious individual honour.

The suspense ended when Ronaldinho revealed Dembele as the Ballon d'Or winner, a decision that left Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, furious. Speaking to Spanish television programme El Chiringuito in the aftermath of the ceremony, Nasraoui did not hold back.

"It's the biggest, I won't say robbery, but it is moral damage to a human being," Nasraoui said. "Lamine Yamal is by far the best player in the world, and I'm not saying that because he's my son. There are no rivals. Lamine is Lamine Yamal. Something very strange has happened here."

He later added with confidence: "Next year the Ballon d'Or will be Spanish."

Yamal himself remained composed on stage, smiling for photographs alongside fellow winners and holding the Kopa Trophy aloft. Barcelona have publicly congratulated their forward, describing him as "a player who represents the present and the future of football."

At only 18, Yamal has already broken numerous records for club and country. He became the youngest player to score for Spain at a major tournament during Euro 2024 and has been a key figure in Barcelona's attack since his breakthrough. Last season he registered 14 goals and 17 assists across all competitions, leading Xavi's side to a Copa del Rey triumph.

While Dembele celebrated his first Ballon d'Or after a superb campaign with PSG, many believe Yamal's time will come sooner rather than later. With back-to-back Kopa Trophies and a Ballon d'Or runners-up medal to his name, the Barcelona prodigy has shown that he is already competing with the world's elite.

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