Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf has snubbed fellow Frenchman Ousmane Dembelè in his prediction for the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, instead backing Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the prestigious award.

Speaking to ESPN, Leboeuf was clear in his assessment: "I don't think Dembele will win the Ballon d'Or. I think Lamine Yamal will win it."

The former Premier League star's prediction comes despite Dembelè's impressive contribution to Paris Saint-Germain's quadruple triumph in the 2024-25 season, where the French international netted 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 appearances.

In contrast, 17-year-old Yamal recorded 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games for Barcelona during the same season. While Yamal's goal tally falls short of Dembelè's, his playmaking abilities have clearly caught the attention of football pundits.

Yamal's agent, Jorge Mendes, has also expressed confidence in his client's chances, stating: "He's been the best in the world this season and that's clear, so Ballon d'Or would be deserved."

The endorsement from Leboeuf adds to growing speculation about who will claim football's most coveted individual prize. Despite statistical evidence favoring Dembelè in terms of goal contributions, Yamal's impact at such a young age appears to be swaying opinion in his favor.

This development follows reports that UEFA named Dembelè as the Champions League Player of the Season, highlighting the contrasting views on who deserves the Ballon d'Or recognition.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony will ultimately determine whether Leboeuf's prediction comes true, potentially making Yamal one of the youngest recipients in the award's history should he emerge victorious.