How the Champions League semi-finals changed the Ballon d'Or conversation

The UEFA Champions League final has now been decided and it will be played between Inter Milan and Paris Saint Germain…but how will this affect the Ballon d’Or?

Read on as Sports News Blitz’s Elliot Ward looks at how the recent thrillers have turned the tables.

The obvious picks before UCL semi-finals

Previously, before the semi-finals, the two favourites were Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, both from Barcelona.

They are both having excellent campaigns in all competitions. 

Raphinha was the standout performer in the Champions League this season beating records belonging to Lionel Messi, however, the Brazilian forward is not just performing in the European competition.

Raphinha has recorded 32 goals and 25 Assists in 53 games which is an outstanding return and was definitely on course for a potential Ballon d’or. 

However now that Barcelona have been knocked out of the Champions League, Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or hopes are slipping further away. 

Much like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal has had a season to remember so far but with Barcelona being knocked out of the UCL, is Yamal in the same boat as Raphinha?

Yamal has had a fantastic season also scoring 15 goals and 24 assists in 51 games. As a 17-year-old playing at the top level of football, he is a special talent. 

However, talent can only get you so far and with Barcelona not winning the Champions League it will massively hinder his chance at a Ballon d’Or. 

Raphinha and Yamal have had fantastic seasons and have both won the Copa Del Rey. Not to mention, they could be on course for the league title also.

Where we stand now

Despite their fantastic seasons, there is one man who could spoil their party, Ousmane Dembele.

Dembele has had an amazing season with PSG, recording 33 goals and 13 assists in 46 games which is incredible. 

Dembele has won Ligue 1, in the final of the Coupe de France against Reims and is now in a Champions League final after defeating Arsenal over two legs in the semis. 

If PSG win Europe’s most prestigious award, I think Dembele could have it sealed and it would be thoroughly deserved.

On the other hand, if Dembele does not win the Champions League, and Barcelona win La Liga, I think with Raphina’s numbers, he is the best out of the three, deserving the Ballon d’Or.

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