Credits: IMAGO / Xinhua

‘Biggest Moral Damage’ – Lamine Yamal Father Snaps Back After Son Gets Snubbed of Ballon d’Or 2025 Award

Credits: IMAGO / Xinhua

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris was meant to crown the finest achievements in world football. However, since the ceremony, a storm of debate has been ignited. Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal was snubbed and finished runner-up for the coveted award on Tuesday evening.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele claimed his career first Ballon d’Or on the day. This sparked outrage from his family, specifically his father. Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, openly criticized the outcome. He suggested that the voting process was questionable. Initially, he seemed composed after the gala.

Lamine Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, considers his son missing out on the Ballon d'Or award as "the biggest moral damage done to a human being." pic.twitter.com/nJ3RVMxVBb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 23, 2025

However, he later burst out speaking to the Spanish outlet El Chiringuito. He said, “I wouldn’t say [it was a] robbery, but a moral prejudice to a human being because I think Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world by far, by very far. Something very strange happened here.”

Lamine Yamal Responds and Barcelona React

Despite missing out, the 18-year-old Yamal left Paris with the Kopa Trophy for a second consecutive year. He became the first player ever to achieve the historic feat. His season with Barcelona was equally impressive, producing 18 goals and 25 assists.

Also Read: Ballon d’Or 2025: Lamine Yamal Makes History with Second Consecutive Kopa Trophy

He also led the club to a domestic treble last season. While his father railed against perceived injustice, Yamal himself appeared composed after the award snub. After he spoke to El Chiringuito, Barcelona president Joan Laporta sought to calm tensions. Appealing to fans, Laporta said:

“Lamine’s father is very passionate, and we have to remember his son is only 18 years old. All of this has happened very quickly and can sometimes be overwhelming. Lamine sad? No, he’s not unhappy or depressed.” Yamal chose not to add fuel to the controversy.

With his talent, consistency, and maturity, his turn to lift the Ballon d’Or is only a matter of time. On a social media post, he congratulated Dembele and also said, “You have to climb to get to the top”, indicating he will keep working to try to win the award in coming years.

Also Read: Ousmane Dembele Crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 Winner

Ousmane Dembele Case for Glory

Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win followed a remarkable campaign last season, where he delivered 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 matches. He was the driving force behind PSG’s treble-winning season, including their long-awaited Champions League title grab.

The Frenchman’s emotional acceptance speech showcased the significance of the award for him. Fighting back tears, Dembele thanked PSG, his teammates, and family, saying, “What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it… This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively.”

Ballon d’Or 2025

Lamine Yamal

Ousmane Dembele

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.