YAMAL RESTARTS BALLON D'OR HUNT

Barca star seeks to make big impact against PSG after missing out to Dembele in 2025

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Lamine Yamal almost became the youngest winner of the Ballon d’Or at 18, and Barcelona’s Champions League home clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Oct 1 offers the ideal opportunity to begin stating his case for 2026.

PSG star Ousmane Dembele won the award for the best player in the world but he is out injured and will miss the match at the Olympic stadium, leaving runner-up Yamal the chance to shine.

Last season, it was the then 17-year-old winger who inspired Barcelona’s charge to the semifinals and despite two outstanding displays against Inter Milan, Hansi Flick’s side fell just short.

They missed out on facing PSG in the final, as the French side crushed Inter to claim their first Champions League trophy. Yamal pledged he would bring the title to Barcelona, who have not won it since 2015.

Fast-forward to this season, the teenager had been sidelined with a groin issue. But on his return against Real Sociedad on Sept 28 in La Liga, he made an instant impact when introduced in the 58th minute.