Ousmane Dembele has suffered a muscle injury during France’s Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain, placing his Club World Cup hopes in serious doubt.
The PSG winger has returned to France for treatment and, according to reports, will miss at least the group stage of the tournament.
There’s growing concern that Dembele may not recover in time for any part of the competition. This setback comes at a crucial time in the Ballon d’Or race, where every performance counts.
His absence could work in favour of Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old dazzled against France, scoring twice and playing a key role in Spain’s 2–1 win. That performance didn’t just turn heads, it may have shifted the Ballon d’Or narrative.
If Lamine guides Spain to victory over Portugal in Sunday’s final, the prestigious award could be all but his. With Dembele sidelined and missing key matches, Lamine now has a clear path to football’s top individual honour.
Dembele’s injury may be a blow for PSG, but it could be a golden chance for Spain’s teenage sensation.
