Lamine Yamal's Triumph Over Ousmane Dembélé: A Peer's Recognition
Lamine Yamal, despite losing the 2025 Ballon d'Or to Ousmane Dembélé, found solace in the FIFPRO World XI, a prestigious list voted by fellow professionals. This recognition, decided by over 20,000 players, showcases the impact of peer appreciation in the football world.
The FIFPRO World XI, unlike the Ballon d'Or, is a unique award. It's voted on by professional footballers, providing an authentic perspective on the best players. Yamal's inclusion in this list, with 50% of the votes, surpasses Dembélé's 45%, indicating a strong endorsement from his peers.
This result holds significance, especially considering the controversy surrounding the Ballon d'Or. After the 2025 ceremony, Lamine's father expressed his disappointment, calling his son's second-place finish a moral blow. However, the FIFPRO World XI offers a different perspective, highlighting the value of peer recognition.
The voting breakdown for the Ballon d'Or reveals a stark contrast. Dembélé received 73 first-place votes, while Yamal secured only 11. This disparity underscores the subjective nature of the Ballon d'Or, which is voted on by journalists, and the objective nature of the FIFPRO World XI, decided by players.
Yamal's achievement in the FIFPRO World XI is a testament to his talent and hard work. His clubmate, Raphinha, who dominated last season with 56 direct goal contributions, expressed disappointment in missing the World XI. This reaction highlights the importance of peer recognition in the football community.
The FIFPRO World XI serves as a reminder that while awards like the Ballon d'Or are prestigious, the opinions of fellow professionals carry immense weight. Yamal's success in this list demonstrates the power of peer appreciation, offering a unique and valuable form of validation in the world of football.
