Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years old, is already competing with the greats for the Ballon d'Or. His rise has been meteoric and his impact on Barça and the Spanish national team has been total. The Club World Cup could become the culmination of an unforgettable year.
But there is an obstacle standing between him and the most prestigious award in world soccer: Ousmane Dembélé.
The PSG winger has had a dream season. Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League champion, he is now looking to close the cycle with the Club World Cup.
If he succeeds, the individual title would be almost a logical consequence. Because, although Mbappé is the big media star at Real Madrid, his collection of titles has been modest in his first year in white. Dembélé, on the other hand, has carried PSG and has won everything, or almost everything.
That doesn't go unnoticed in Lamine Yamal's circle. There, people watch with concern as his former teammate could snatch away the award that seemed destined for him.
Lamine doesn't forget his personal ambition
Despite his young age, Lamine doesn't hide. He has openly stated that he dreams of the Ballon d'Or. He has it set in his sights.
He knows that it is not enough to be the revelation of the year. He needs his direct rivals not to shine more than he does. That's why the Club World Cup semifinal between PSG and Real Madrid takes on an unexpected dimension.
A win for the Whites would frustrate Dembélé's feat, leaving him just short of a quartet of titles. That, indirectly, would strengthen Lamine's candidacy.
The less PSG win, the more chances he will have. It is that simple.
Although his heart is blaugrana, the reasoning is cold and calculated. Lamine wants Real Madrid to win. At least this time.
Real Madrid, occasional ally of a culé
It is a paradox that is hard to accept, but real. Barça's most promising player needs Real Madrid to do him a favor.
Not for the jersey, nor for the colors. For the Ballon d'Or. For history and for what is at stake.
The most striking thing is that it is not an isolated feeling. In the player's circle, people talk openly about the subject. Even in Barça's own locker room, some understand that a win for the Whites would benefit Lamine, his image, and his international candidacy.
Soccer, once again, leaves curious stories. This is one of them: Real Madrid as a lifeline for a culé. At least for a day.
As of today, Dembélé is more of a rival than Mbappé in the fight for the Ballon d'Or.