Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is already collecting trophies like they're Pokemon cards. The wonderkid has bagged both the Golden Boy award and Kopa Trophy, and now he's eyeing football's ultimate individual prize – the Ballon d'Or.
Yamal's domestic treble-winning season with Barcelona has put him in prime position. But this isn't a one-horse race by any means. His main competition? None other than the man whose position he inherited at Barça – Ousmane Dembélé.
Remember when Dembélé left Barcelona for PSG last summer? Well, he's been absolutely flying under Luis Enrique. The French winger has matched Yamal's domestic treble and gone one better by adding a Champions League trophy to his cabinet.
Madrid's Chance to Play Kingmaker
Here's where things get interesting for betting fans. Real Madrid could inadvertently become Yamal's best friend in this Ballon d'Or race. If Los Blancos knock out PSG in next week's Club World Cup semifinals, it would seriously dent Dembélé's credentials.
The timing couldn't be more crucial. The prestigious France Football ceremony is scheduled for September 22nd in Paris, and every trophy counts when the journalists cast their votes.
For those considering long-term Ballon d'Or betting markets, this Madrid-PSG clash could create significant value shifts. A Madrid win would likely shorten Yamal's odds considerably.
If Yamal does clinch it, he'd make history as the youngest ever Ballon d'Or winner, eclipsing Brazilian Ronaldo who was 21 when he won in 1997.
PSG Chairman Confident in Dembélé's Chances
PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi isn't mincing his words about who deserves the award. "If Ousmane Dembélé doesn't win the Ballon d'Or, there's a problem," he stated confidently.
"Given the magnificent season he has had, there is no doubt he will win the Ballon d'Or," Al-Khelaifi continued. "If he doesn't win, there's a problem. He has done everything."
The Club World Cup could be the final piece of evidence jurors need when deciding between these two wing wizards. For Barcelona fans backing Yamal in Ballon d'Or betting markets, they'll find themselves in the unusual position of cheering for their arch-rivals.
Ultimately, the Ballon d'Or decision rests with journalists and football insiders. They'll weigh Yamal's domestic dominance against Dembélé's Champions League glory. And now, unexpectedly, Real Madrid might have the final say in who takes home football's golden prize.
