The two current team-mates of Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele have made it clear who they believe should win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé emerging as the bookmakers’ current frontrunners.
Both players are aiming to claim the prestigious award for the first time in their careers. Yamal, already the reigning Kopa Trophy winner for best young player, has had an extraordinary year. At just 17, he played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and was instrumental in Barcelona’s run to the Champions League semi-finals. He also secured his first La Liga title and recently earned a Nations League runners-up medal, following Spain’s penalty shootout defeat to Portugal.
Dembélé, on the other hand, surged into Ballon d’Or contention after guiding Paris Saint-Germain to their historic first Champions League victory, cementing his place among the award’s top candidates.
Ousmane Dembélé, 28, has delivered a sensational season for both club and country. The French winger netted eight goals and six assists in the Champions League, earning the Player of the Tournament title. Domestically, he scored 21 goals in Ligue 1, as Paris Saint-Germain chase an unprecedented quintuple, with only the Club World Cup left to complete the set.
Both Dembélé and Lamine Yamal share two international and club team-mates: Jules Koundé, who plays for Barcelona and France, and Fabián Ruiz, who represents PSG and Spain.
In a March interview, Koundé was asked to weigh in on the Ballon d’Or debate. He responded diplomatically:
“That’s a tough one. They’re all having incredible seasons. It’s hard to name a favorite—they’re impressive, but very different kinds of players.”
Jules Koundé suggested that a Barcelona player winning the Ballon d’Or would reflect the club’s success in top competitions, hinting at the collective achievements required to back an individual honor.
Meanwhile, Fabián Ruiz didn’t name Dembélé directly when recently asked about the Ballon d’Or, but he made it clear that he hopes the trophy goes to someone from his own ranks.
“As long as people are talking about it, that’s a good sign,” Ruiz told Mundo Deportivo. “We’re putting up great numbers and winning titles.
“The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best player of the year, but honestly, that’s not on my mind. Right now, I’m just focused on enjoying the moment, supporting the national team, and helping my club when needed.
“If the conversation is happening, it means we’re doing things right. Hopefully, whoever wins it is one of my team-mates.”
