Jules Kounde Navigates Ballon d’Or Debate: Yamal vs. Dembélé

The football world is buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, an award poised to crown a fresh face for the second consecutive year. Breaking an 18-year duopoly held by titans Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, this year’s race is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two electrifying talents: Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic winger Ousmane Dembélé.

Amidst the fervor, Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, a teammate to Yamal and a former colleague and national compatriot to Dembélé, found himself in a diplomatic dilemma when asked to pick a winner. His response offered a glimpse into the incredible seasons both players have enjoyed.

Koundé’s Diplomatic Stance

Speaking to the media during the international break, Koundé artfully dodged the direct question, acknowledging the immense contributions of both contenders. “Both [players] deserve it,” Koundé stated. “They’ve had extraordinary seasons, winning titles. Being teammates, it’s difficult; I’m not going to vote, but there are arguments in favor of both.”

The prestigious individual honor will be presented at the Théâtre du Châtelet on Monday, September 22nd, with 100 journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations casting their votes. While Koundé won’t have a formal say, his insightful perspective highlights the formidable campaigns put forth by Yamal and Dembélé.

Yamal’s Explosive Season: A New Barcelona Star

Lamine Yamal, the prodigious 16-year-old, enjoyed a breathtaking 2024–25 season with Barcelona. His dazzling performances were instrumental in Hansi Flick’s side securing a domestic treble. Yamal concluded the season with an impressive 18 goals and 21 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions. His maturity and skill on the pitch earned him comparisons to none other than Lionel Messi from some of the sport’s most respected figures, underscoring his potential to become a generational talent.

“I’m very happy to play with Lamine Yamal and see how he guides us,” Koundé added, highlighting the profound impact Yamal has had on the Barcelona squad.

Dembélé’s European Triumph: PSG’s Champions League Hero

On the other side of the equation, Ousmane Dembélé spearheaded Paris Saint-Germain to a historic quadruple, including the club’s coveted first-ever Champions League title. This monumental achievement came just one season after the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappé, demonstrating Dembélé’s leadership and crucial role in PSG’s success. The French international notched an impressive 33 goals and 13 assists in 49 appearances. Notably, he contributed a staggering 14 goal involvements in the Champions League alone, proving to be the catalyst for Luis Enrique’s squad on their path to European glory.

Koundé also expressed his admiration for Dembélé’s resurgence: “as well as seeing the development and great form of Ousmane Dembélé, with whom I shared a season at Barcelona.”

A Historic Ballon d’Or Race

The 2025 Ballon d’Or promises to be a memorable event, marking a significant shift in the landscape of individual football accolades. Whether it’s Yamal’s meteoric rise and domestic dominance or Dembélé’s European heroics and leadership, both players have presented compelling cases. The eventual winner will etch their name alongside legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and the most recent recipient, Rodri, in the annals of football history. The world eagerly awaits to see who will be crowned the sport’s best on that September evening in Paris.