Ballon d’Or 2025: Jules Koundé Reconsiders, Chooses Between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele

France and Barcelona star defender, Jules Koundé, has shifted his stance regarding who deserves to lift the Ballon d’Or 2025 between his teammates Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.

Previously, Koundé had backed Lamine Yamal ahead of Dembele as his preferred choice for the prestigious award. However, he has now taken a more balanced approach, acknowledging the exceptional performances of both players in the just-concluded football season.

Yamal, the teenage sensation making waves at Barcelona, and Dembele, who has been in superb form for both Barcelona and the French national team, remain the two strongest contenders for the top individual prize in world football.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of France’s upcoming international duty, Koundé clarified his new position. He told reporters, as cited by GOAL:

“I have already answered, and I will repeat it. Both Yamal and Dembele deserve the Ballon d’Or. They each had an extraordinary season and won major trophies. Since I am teammates with both, it is not easy to choose. I am not one of the voters, but there are solid arguments for both. I’m delighted to play alongside Lamine and to see how much responsibility he has taken at such a young age. Ousmane, on the other hand, has reached a new peak in his career, delivering his best football with impressive statistics. May the best man win.”

Koundé’s comments highlight the tight race for the Ballon d’Or 2025, as both Yamal and Dembele have carried their teams with exceptional brilliance. While Yamal’s meteoric rise has been a talking point worldwide, Dembele’s maturity and consistency make him equally deserving of the accolade.

For Barcelona fans and football lovers in general, this year’s Ballon d’Or contest promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With both candidates being crucial for club and country, the football world eagerly awaits who will ultimately be crowned the Ballon d’Or 2025 winner.