The Night of the Golden Ball
Paris, 2025. The Théâtre du Châtelet glowed in golden lights. The cream of the world's football had gathered, the tension alive. It was not another Ballon d'Or night — it was one of a kind.
The gossip in the corridors was all about Lamine Yamal Nasraoui, the 18-year-old wunderkind of FC Barcelona. His hypnotic dribbling, confident self-belief, and record-breaking performance had turned him into a global sensation. But second on the list behind him with the votes was Ousmane Dembélé, now the magician of Paris Saint-Germain, revitalized and hungrier than ever before. The struggle was fierce — only five points behind.
When the votes were announced, the suspense grew. Portuguese conductor Vitinha settled for third place, his eyesight and composure having controlled PSG's midfield throughout the season. Raphinha, Lamine's Barcelona co-conspirator, came in fourth, demonstrating that the Catalan club's future was stirring once again.
When Mohamed Salah’s name echoed for fifth, the audience rose in applause, honoring the Liverpool legend who continued to shine despite age and battles. The rest followed: Nuno Mendes’ relentless energy, Pedri’s artistry, Désiré Doué’s rise, and Mbappé’s shock appearance at ninth after moving to Real Madrid — a twist nobody had expected. Lautaro Martínez closed the list, a reminder of Inter’s relentless spirit.
And then, at last, the envelope. The golden Ballon d'Or gleamed in the spotlight. The announcer's voice trembled under the weight of history:
"And the Ballon d'Or for 2025 is presented to… Lamine Yamal Nasraoui!"
The theatre erupted. At just eighteen years old, Yamal was the youngest Ballon d'Or winner ever. His teammates lifted him onto their shoulders, and for a moment, time stood still — a boy from Barcelona now the football king.
Dembélé, tears of joy in his eyes, wrapped his arms around him on the stage. "Your turn now," he panted.
Flashbulbs flashed, the world watched, and in the golden glow, the new age of football commenced officially.
