Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has publicly backed his club teammate Lamine Yamal to win the prestigious 2025 Ballon d'Or award, despite his France international colleague Ousmane Dembele also being among the nominees.
Both Yamal and Dembele have been named in the 30-man shortlist for football's most coveted individual prize, setting up an intriguing contest between the Barcelona wonderkid and the PSG star.
When asked about Yamal's chances, Kounde acknowledged the awkward position but was unequivocal in his support: "Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or? You're putting me in a tricky situation, but I think he deserves it," Kounde said. "I have a very good relationship with him. He is a team player, he works a lot for the team. I understand him perfectly."
At just 18 years old, Yamal has established himself as one of football's brightest talents. The Spanish international enjoyed a remarkable season, netting 18 goals for Barcelona in their LaLiga-winning campaign while also delivering standout performances in the UEFA Champions League.
Yamal's meteoric rise began when he was promoted to Barcelona's first team by former manager Xavi, quickly cementing his place as a key figure in the Catalan club's attack.
Meanwhile, Dembele has recently strengthened his own Ballon d'Or credentials after helping PSG secure the UEFA Super Cup with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur, making him a serious contender for the award.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several players making compelling cases for the award that recognizes the world's best footballer.
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