Gullit Rules Out Yamal for Ballon d’Or, Backs PSG Stars After Champions League Run

Former Ruud Gullit has said Lamine Yamal is unlikely to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, arguing that the FC Barcelona youngster’s failure to lead his club to the UEFA Champions League final weakens his chances.

Speaking in an interview with Goal.com, the Dutch football legend suggested that Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain are stronger contenders because they will feature in the Champions League final.

According to Gullit, success in Europe’s biggest club competition often plays a major role in deciding who wins football’s most prestigious individual award.

“Yamal cannot win that this time anyway,” Gullit said.

“He has not been in the Champions League final. He needs to excel at the World Cup to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.”

The former Chelsea FC star praised Dembélé for his impact this season and also singled out Vitinha as one of the standout players in Europe, describing the Portuguese midfielder as the engine of PSG’s squad.

Opinion: Is the Ballon d’Or Still About Talent or Trophies?

Gullit’s comments revive a familiar debate in football — whether the Ballon d’Or is truly awarded to the best individual player or simply the player whose team wins the biggest trophies.

Lamine Yamal has been one of the most exciting young players in world football this season, and many believe his performances alone have placed him among the elite. However, football awards have historically favored players whose clubs dominate major competitions, especially the Champions League.

This means that while Yamal’s talent is undeniable, team success may count more than individual brilliance when it comes to the final voting. That is why players like Dembélé and Vitinha may have an edge if PSG finishes the season with European silverware.

The bigger question is whether a teenager like Yamal should be judged by the same standards as established stars. At just 18, his performances have already captured global attention, and even if he misses out this year, many believe his Ballon d’Or moment may only be a matter of time.

In the end, Gullit’s view reflects the reality of modern football: exceptional talent gets you noticed, but trophies often seal the award.