Zlatan Ibrahimović Claims Lamine Yamal Deserved 2024 Ballon d’Or Over Ousmane Dembélé

Former Manchester United and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has stirred the football world once again — this time, by insisting that Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal should have won the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the outspoken Swede argued that the award should go to players who “make the difference individually” — a category he believes Yamal fits perfectly.

“You have to judge the player on his ability to make a difference individually. For me, Yamal did. I would have given it to Yamal,” Ibrahimović declared.

Last month, Dembélé was crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, edging out the teenage sensation Yamal, who nevertheless took home the Kopa Trophy — an award for the best young player under 21.

At just 17 years old, Yamal has been one of football’s brightest stories — dazzling fans with maturity beyond his years and a confidence reminiscent of a young Lionel Messi. His performances for both Barcelona and Spain have already made him one of Europe’s most talked-about stars.

💭 Opinion: Ibrahimović May Have a Point — Yamal Is Football’s Future, Not Its Future Promise

Zlatan’s words might sound controversial, but they carry weight. While Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG has been nothing short of impressive — blending flair with consistency — it’s hard to deny that Yamal has been football’s purest spark of magic this year.

The Ballon d’Or has always been more than just numbers and trophies. It’s about influence, impact, and the ability to make fans fall in love with the game again. Yamal does exactly that every time he steps on the pitch — fearless, inventive, and thrillingly unpredictable.

Still, perhaps the world isn’t ready to hand its most prestigious award to a teenager — not yet. But if Yamal continues on his meteoric path, his time isn’t coming... it’s inevitable. ⚽✨