Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has admitted that he expected to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or ahead of Ousmane Dembélé but now believes finishing as runner-up may have been the best outcome for his development.

The young Spaniard enjoyed a remarkable year and was widely considered one of the leading contenders for football's most prestigious individual award. However, it was Dembélé who ultimately claimed the honor, leaving Yamal in second place.

Reflecting on the result, the Barcelona forward revealed that he initially thought the award was his.

“I thought I was going to win it that day in 2025 because of many things that happened,” Yamal said.

Despite the disappointment, the teenager now views the outcome differently, suggesting that winning the award at such a young age may not have been ideal.

“Looking back, I think it was very good for me that Dembélé won it.

“Beyond helping me grow personally, I don’t think it was the right time for me to win it because I was still a kid and probably wouldn’t have appreciated what it really means to win a Ballon d’Or.”

Yamal also hinted that he remains determined to capture the coveted prize in the future.

“Let’s see if this year is mine!” he added.

The comments reflect a level of maturity beyond his years, with the Barcelona winger choosing to focus on long-term growth rather than dwelling on a near miss.

Opinion: Yamal's Response Shows Why He May Eventually Win the Ballon d'Or

Many players would struggle to hide their frustration after coming so close to winning the Ballon d'Or. What makes Lamine Yamal's reaction noteworthy is not that he believed he deserved the award, but that he can now recognize the value of missing out.

At a young age, success can sometimes arrive too quickly. The pressure, expectations, and scrutiny that come with being a Ballon d'Or winner can be overwhelming even for experienced professionals. Yamal appears to understand that development is a process, not a race.

His willingness to acknowledge Dembélé's victory while using the experience as motivation speaks volumes about his mindset. Rather than viewing the result as a setback, he has treated it as a lesson.

There is also an argument that the disappointment could ultimately benefit him. Some of football's greatest players used near misses as fuel for future achievements. Losing an award often creates a hunger that winning it cannot.

The reality is that Yamal remains one of the brightest talents in world football. If he continues to develop at his current rate, more Ballon d'Or opportunities will come his way.

Whether he wins the award this year or in the seasons ahead, his comments suggest he is focused on earning it at the right moment. And that mentality may be one of the biggest reasons he is likely to lift the trophy someday.