Jules Kounde changes stance on who among Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele should win 2025 Ballon d’Or with latest claim

Barcelona and France defender Jules Kounde changed his opinion on who deserved to win the Ballon d'Or this year between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele. The pair of forwards are the leading candidates for the prestigious award after enjoying an impressive last season for club and country.

Kounde spoke at a press conference ahead of a return to international action with France, backtracking on claims he made in August. The French defender hopes the best man wins, as he thinks both are deserving of the honour. He said (via GOAL);

"I've already answered, I'll do it again. Both deserve it. They had an extraordinary season, with trophies to boot. Being teammates with both, it's difficult. I'm not the one voting, and there are arguments for both. I'm very happy to be with Lamine, to see how he's carrying us. Ousmane has reached a kind of fullness, he's playing his best football, with the statistics. May the best man win."

Back in August, Jules Kounde had said that Spain international Yamal was the most deserving of the contenders for the award this year. The versatile defender plays with the teenager at club level and is teammates with Dembele with the national team.

Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal were among the 30-man shortlist of nominees for the Ballon d'Or revealed last month. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star helped his club win an European treble, as well as the UEFA Super Cup, while Yamal helped Barcelona win three domestic titles in Spain.

Lamine Yamal shares thoughts on 2025 Ballon d'Or

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal spoke about his opinion on this year's Ballon d'Or following his nomination for the award. The 18-year-old forward was nominated alongside 29 other players for the gong after enjoying a fine season for club and country.

In an interview from the Spanish national team camp, Yamal admitted that he, like every other player, hoped to win the award. He pointed out that merely being in the conversation at his age was brilliant, but he remained hopeful of winning. He said (via Barca Universal):

“As a team, winning the Champions League with Barça would be incredible, and individually, every player wants to win the Ballon d’Or, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. Being there at 18 is something to be valued, and I hope it happens.”

Lamine Yamal ended the 2024-25 season with 18 goals and 21 assists across all competitions for Barcelona, winning LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana. He has two goals and two assists in three appearances this season, continuing his fine form for his club.