Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, commented on Ousmane Dembélé's victory in the Ballon d'Or 2025. In his opinion, the award is always given only to worthy players, but he did not hide the fact that, as always, he supports compatriot football players.
"I would like the Spanish footballer to win the award. Last year, when Rodri won the prize, I said - we'll come back, we'll take it again. But this award is never given to a player who doesn't deserve it. Dembélé is a master of remarkable skill. Nevertheless, I always support the Spanish," de la Fuente said.
These words of the specialist open two directions: on the one hand, he expresses respect for individual skills and seasonal results, and on the other hand, he once again confirms his confidence in the national football school. For De la Fuente, this is not just a statement, but a signal that inspires future generations: a local player must have sufficient potential to become an absolute leader on the international stage.
In this year's voting, Barcelona trainees Lamin Yamal and Pedri took second and eleventh place, respectively. De la Fuente considers this result "half the way": it is emphasized that 18-year-old Yamal is growing at a high pace, and if Pedri continues at this pace, he could further increase his influence in the center. That is, there is a high probability that another Ballon d'Or winner will emerge from the Spanish legion in the coming years.
At the same time, the debate surrounding Dembélé's trophy is also natural: the attacking player's impressive episodes in big games, decisive passes, and quick decisions have won the voters' favor. For voters, not only the statistics, but also the moments that change the landscape of the game are of decisive importance.
For De la Fuente, this event is another important measure - keeping the national team in balance. He tries to accomplish two tasks simultaneously: integrating ready-made stars into the team and paving the way for young people. This strategy is aimed at ensuring sustainable results in the short term and a new generation of leaders in the long term.
From the fans' point of view, the picture is clear: respect for Dembélé is a fair assessment of his work, de la Fuente's Spanish direction is the central idea of his future plans. The task facing the national team is the same: to find a balance between experience and youth before major tournaments, to control the pace of the game, and not to lose initiative at crucial moments.
In conclusion, Dembélé's prize is the result of individual norms and voter choice. In the Spanish camp, however, confidence hasn't diminished - de la Fuente, relying on the new generation, wants to see the next Ballon d'Or in the hands of his compatriot again.
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