Former Real Madrid player Alvaro Benito recently shared his thoughts following Ousmane Dembele’s win of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, sparking a mixed reaction among football fans. Benito praised Dembele’s achievement but also highlighted the appeal and talents of two other prominent French stars – Barcelona’s rising sensation Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.
Benito described Yamal as the “more attractive” player to watch, applauding his style and flair on the field. At the same time, he acknowledged Mbappe as the “better” player overall, emphasizing the continued quality and impact Mbappe has maintained, even after his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid in 2024.
The award ceremony saw Dembele, who played a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s continental treble last season, earning the prestigious individual honor ahead of Yamal. Dembele’s stellar season included 35 goals and 14 assists in 53 appearances, contributing significantly to PSG’s first-ever Champions League title, along with winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
In reaction to Dembele’s victory, Mbappe showed great respect and sportsmanship, taking to social media to congratulate his PSG teammate. Mbappe expressed heartfelt emotions, stating that Dembele deserved the accolade “a thousand times,” reinforcing the strong bond between the French stars.
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and former Barcelona teammate of Dembele, also extended his congratulations, celebrating Dembele’s recognition among football legends.
This Ballon d’Or marks a new era, with young talents like Yamal gaining high praise but still chasing the acclaim Dembele has just attained. Yamal’s performance earned him the distinction as one of the highest valued Ballon d’Or runners-up in history, underscoring his rapid rise in the sport.
The football world is watching closely as these stars continue to define the future of the game with skill, determination, and remarkable achievements.
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