The Ballon d’Or debate is starting to become impossible to ignore, and two names are showing up in almost every conversation. Lamine Yamal has taken another huge step forward at Barcelona this season, while Ousmane Dembele has finally put together the kind of consistent campaign many expected from him years ago at PSG. Both players have been brilliant in different ways, which is why comparing their seasons has become so interesting.
Lamine Yamal’s season so far
Lamine Yamal’s numbers are honestly ridiculous for someone his age. In 45 matches this season, the Barcelona winger has scored 24 goals and added 17 assists, but the stats only tell part of the story. Every time he gets on the ball, it feels like something dangerous is about to happen.
The Spain international has created 119 chances and 46 big chances, which says everything about how involved he is in Barcelona’s attack. On top of that, he has completed 225 successful dribbles this season, an insane figure that highlights how fearless he is when running directly at defenders.
📊 Lamine Yamal 🆚 Dembele – club stats this season:
🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal:
👕 45 games
⚽️ 24 goals
🎯 17 assists
😳 119 chances created
😮 46 big chances created
💨 225 successful dribbles🇫🇷 Ousmane Dembele:
👕 37 games
⚽️ 19 goals
🎯 11 assists
😳 72 chances created
😮 14 big… pic.twitter.com/lCnE5KPI41— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) May 14, 2026
What makes Lamine Yamal stand out even more is the way he controls games despite being just 18. Most young players have flashes of brilliance, but Yamal is influencing matches almost every single week. Whether Barcelona need a goal, a moment of creativity, or someone to break defensive lines, he is usually the player making it happen.
That level of responsibility at such a young age is a huge reason why many fans already see him as the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or.
Where does Ousmane Dembele’s put up
Dembele’s season deserves huge respect too because this has probably been the most complete campaign of his career. The PSG winger has scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 appearances while playing a major role in the club’s attack.
He has also created 72 chances and 14 big chances this season. Those numbers are still excellent, especially considering PSG have several attacking stars sharing the spotlight. Dembele has looked sharper, more confident, and far more consistent compared to previous seasons.
One thing helping Dembele’s Ballon d’Or case is the possibility of trophies. If PSG finish the season strongly and continue succeeding in Europe, voters could lean toward rewarding a player who played a big role in a title winning campaign.
The biggest factor, though, could still be the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. International tournaments always have a massive impact on Ballon d’Or voting. France are expected to be among the favorites, which gives Dembele a huge opportunity to strengthen his case on the world stage.
Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, heads into the tournament with enormous pressure and excitement surrounding him. If he shines for Spain during the World Cup, the momentum behind him could become unstoppable.
Right now, Lamine Yamal probably has the stronger argument because of how dominant he has been statistically and stylistically throughout the season. Dembele has been excellent, but Yamal’s influence feels bigger on a weekly basis. Still, with a World Cup around the corner, the race is far from over, and a few special performances in the summer could completely change the conversation.
