Nasraoui insists his son is the world’s best footballer
The father of rising football star Lamine Yamal, Mounir Nasraoui, has voiced strong disappointment over the recent outcome of the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, which saw French international Ousmane Dembele crowned as the world’s best player.
Nasraoui, speaking on the popular Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, emphatically stated that his son is “the best footballer in the world by far,” expressing the belief that the award result was unjust and did his son a great disservice.
Dembele wins Ballon d’Or after PSG success
France Football, the organisers of the prestigious Ballon d’Or, announced Dembele as the 2025 winner on Monday. Dembele’s stellar performances last season helped Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secure multiple major trophies, including the coveted UEFA Champions League title, which significantly boosted his candidacy for the award.
The French winger’s contributions were crucial in PSG’s historic campaign, and his win marks a career milestone, further cementing his status among football’s elite.
Yamal named second-best player, Vitinha in third place
Despite Dembele’s triumph, the spotlight on Lamine Yamal has been growing rapidly. The 18-year-old Spain international was named the second-best player in the world, an incredible feat considering he is only in his second full season of senior football.
Following closely behind Yamal, Portuguese midfielder Vitinha took third place in the ranking.
Yamal’s statistics speak volumes about his impact at Barcelona last season. He scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists across all competitions, playing a key role in Barcelona’s successful campaign, which saw the club clinch La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Nasraoui accuses award of causing “moral damage”
Mounir Nasraoui expressed deep frustration with the outcome of the awards, stopping short of calling it outright theft but describing it as “moral damage to a human being.” He believes his son’s achievements and talent clearly surpass those of Dembele.
“He [Yamal] is the greatest. I’m not going to say theft, but rather moral damage to a human being,” Nasraoui said passionately.
He further emphasized that his support for Yamal’s excellence goes beyond familial pride, insisting that the young footballer’s quality on the pitch justifies his claim as the best in the world.
Confident about future Ballon d’Or prospects
Looking ahead, Nasraoui expressed optimism that the Ballon d’Or will belong to his son in the near future, particularly for the upcoming 2026 awards. “Next year it’s ours. Next year the Ballon d’Or will be Spanish,” he declared confidently.
This statement reflects both his belief in Yamal’s continued growth and the rising prominence of Spanish football talent on the global stage.
Lamine Yamal: a rising star in world football
Lamine Yamal’s rapid rise has caught the attention of football fans and experts worldwide. His technical ability, vision, and consistent performances have positioned him as one of the most promising young talents in the game.
Having contributed significantly to Barcelona’s domestic and European success at such a young age, Yamal’s future appears extremely bright. Football enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if he can convert this early promise into further individual honors in the years ahead.
Conclusion
While Ousmane Dembele’s 2025 Ballon d’Or win is a recognition of his exceptional season with PSG, Mounir Nasraoui’s passionate defense of his son highlights the intense competition and high expectations surrounding young talents like Lamine Yamal.
As football continues to evolve, the debate over individual awards like the Ballon d’Or remains heated, reflecting the passion fans, families, and players invest in the sport’s greatest accolades.
