France International defender, Jules Kounde, has overlooked his countrymen, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in making his pick on the favourite player to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Paris on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet and Kounde believes that his Barcelona teammate, Lamine Yamal deserves the prestigious award.
Kounde’s compatriots, Dembele and Mbappe are in the 30-man list released recently by France Football, the organisers of the award.
The players mentioned above were outstanding in their performances for the clubs and country in 2025, helping their respective team win multiple trophies.
Kounde was asked if the most prestigious individual award should be given to his teammate Yamal, the Frenchman said via Le10Sport, “Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or? You’re putting me in a tricky situation, but I think he deserves it.”
The defender went on to speak on his relationship with the attacker and how helpful the 18-year-old has been to his teammates on the field of play.
Young Spain international, Yamal netted 18 times and made 25 assists in 55 games across competitions for Barcelona last season.
In the process, the Catalan side were crowned LaLiga champions, and they also lifted the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España.
Ballon d’Or 2025: French defender, Kounde snubs Mbappe, Dembele, picks favourite
