When the football season wraps up, everyone starts talking about the Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award celebrates the year’s best player. Fans and experts often debate who deserves it most. This year, the discussion frequently centers on two young talents. Spanish winger Lamine Yamal and French attacker Ousmane Dembélé are the names often mentioned.
But a legend has now weighed in, offering a clear and surprising opinion. Jean-Pierre Papin, the iconic French striker, won the Ballon d’Or himself back in 1991. He knows a thing or two about what it takes to earn football’s top individual prize. Papin recently shared his firm choice for the 2025 award.
Speaking in an interview with Erem News, Papin didn’t mince words. “Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year,” he stated without hesitation. “There is absolutely no doubt about it.” He even brushed aside suggestions about players from Paris SG. For the former star, Yamal’s performance made the decision easy. “Yamal was the best. He truly had a fantastic season.”
Papin’s strong endorsement for Yamal might catch some by surprise. His words carry extra weight as a former winner. It adds another interesting twist to the upcoming award ceremony. Football fans will not have to wait much longer for the big reveal. The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on September 27th. The luxurious Théâtre Châtelet in Paris will host the grand event.