Ballon d’Or: Paris Gets Dressed Up for the Awards Ceremony
Paris prepares to be the epicenter of world football. This Monday, the city of lights will host the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, an event that promises eleven awards and keeps fans around the world in suspense.
Expectation is at its peak, especially regarding the main prize. The competition for the award for the best player in the world focuses on two figures: Ousmane Dembélé, from PSG, and Lamine Yamal, from Barcelona. The debate over who deserves the award has dominated football conversations for weeks.
Dembélé vs. Yamal: A Clash of Stars
Dembélé arrives with the momentum of titles, including the Champions League, and an impressive record of goals and assists. However, internal competition at PSG, with several nominated players, could disperse the votes.On the other hand, Yamal, with a meteoric projection at 18 years old, represents the future of football. Although his numbers are slightly lower than Dembélé’s, his potential and the impact he generates on the field make him a strong contender.
Other Prizes at Stake
In addition to the men’s Ballon d’Or, the gala will award the best female player, the best young player (Kopa Trophy), the best goalkeeper (Yashin Trophy), the best coach and the best club. The Socrates trophy will also be awarded, which recognizes the social work of footballers.
The Kopa Trophy and the Future of Football
If Yamal doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, he could still get the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, an award he has already won in previous editions. In this category, he will compete with the French player Desiré Doué and his teammate Pau Cubarsí.
Female Category: Uncertainty and Spanish Talent
In the women’s category, the competition is fierce. Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, winners of previous editions, compete with other renowned soccer players. The uncertainty is high, and the award could go to players like Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, or Chloe Kelly.The first edition of the women’s Kopa award also promises excitement, with Colombian Linda Caicedo, Paraguayan Claudia Martínez Ovando, and Spaniard Vicki López among the candidates.
Goalkeepers, Coaches, and Clubs: The Other Protagonists
The Yashin award for best goalkeeper will also be presented for the first time, with Spaniard Cata Coll among the candidates. In the men’s category, Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez will seek his third consecutive success.
Luis Enrique, for his part, is one of the favorites for the best coach award, thanks to his achievements with PSG. The Parisian club is also the main candidate for the best club of the year award in the men’s category.
The ceremony promises a night full of emotions and recognition of global football talent.
