Lewandowski Questions Ballon d’Or Credibility, Casts Doubt on Yamal’s Chances Amid Rising Competition

Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski has reopened the long-standing debate surrounding the Ballon d’Or, questioning the transparency and consistency of the award's selection process. Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona forward didn’t hold back when asked about the chances of young sensation Lamine Yamal winning the coveted prize in 2025.

🎙️ "It depends on who they want..." – Lewandowski on Ballon d'Or

Lewandowski, who was heavily tipped to win the award in 2021 after a phenomenal year with Bayern Munich, reflected on his disappointment when the title went instead to Lionel Messi. Since then, the Polish striker has seemingly lost faith in the institution, now suggesting that France Football — the award’s organisers — may not follow a truly objective standard.

“He [Yamal] has a chance, of course, but there are other things that are very important about the Ballon d’Or,” Lewandowski remarked.
“It depends on the rules they have this year. Every year, you have different rules. It depends on who they want and what the rules are this season.”

🔥 Yamal vs. Dembélé: A Fierce Race to Glory

While Lewandowski may be doubtful about the system, Lamine Yamal is undeniably in the running. At just 17, he delivered a jaw-dropping season — 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games, helping Barça clinch the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España titles.

However, Ousmane Dembélé, who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, also has a strong case. With 33 goals and 15 assists across competitions, and pivotal roles in PSG’s historic Champions League, Ligue 1, and other domestic triumphs, the Frenchman has rebranded himself as a global force.

💬 OPINION: Is Lewandowski Bitter, or Brutally Honest?

Some fans might interpret Lewandowski's comments as bitterness lingering from 2021, but others see them as a needed wake-up call about the unclear mechanics behind football’s biggest individual prize.

There’s truth in his critique: the Ballon d’Or criteria seem to shift annually, from club success to individual brilliance, or even emotional narratives — leaving fans and players guessing.

While Yamal’s youth, stats, and silverware make him an exciting candidate, and Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG is nothing short of remarkable, the real question lingers:

Will the 2025 Ballon d’Or reward numbers, narrative, or name value?

🗣️ Final Thought

Lewandowski’s statements may not win him favors with the award committee, but they do spark the conversation fans have been having for years. Maybe it’s time for the Ballon d’Or to define its rules clearly — or risk losing credibility among the very stars it celebrates.

Who do you think deserves it more in 2025 — Yamal or Dembélé? Or is there another dark horse?

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