BALLON D’OR 2025: LALIGA EXPLAINS WHY LAMINE YAMAL MISSED OUT ON AWARD

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has explained why Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal was overlooked for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, despite finishing as runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele.

According to Tebas, Yamal’s age played a decisive role in the final outcome.

“If he had been older than 23, he would have won it, too, I’m sure. But since he was younger, they gave him the [Kopa Trophy],” Tebas said.

The 18-year-old winger, who has enjoyed a remarkable year with Barcelona and Spain, once again claimed the Kopa Trophy for best young player — his second in a row.

Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta offered a different view, admitting that Dembele’s triumph was largely influenced by PSG’s Champions League success.

Dembele, who rejoined PSG last summer, topped the Ballon d’Or voting, securing his first-ever win, while Yamal had to settle for second place.