Looks like the 2025 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be a showdown between Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and PSG's Ousmane Dembele. So, who’s going to take home the trophy? Gerard Pique, a Barcelona legend, has been talking about both players, calling them "incredible people" and sharing his thoughts on who he thinks deserves the win. By the way, Dembele is currently gearing up for the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA this summer with PSG.
Pique knows these guys well. He played alongside Dembele during his time at Barcelona, and he was also there as Yamal was making a name for himself in the youth ranks. So, who does he think will snag the Ballon d’Or later this summer?
“I had the chance to share a dressing room with Ousmane and Lamine Yamal. Ousmane felt like a brother to me, but Lamine? He’s something special,” Pique said. He went on to express his preference: “I’d prefer Lamine Yamal to win because he’s at Barcelona and also involved in the King’s League, which I founded. He has a team, so yeah, I’d like him to take it. But, you know, I really like Ousmane too, and if he wins, I’ll be genuinely happy for him.”
Now, if you look at the latest odds, the top five contenders for this year’s prize include Dembele, Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe.
Yamal has had a phenomenal season, racking up 21 goals and an impressive 25 assists over 62 matches. He really shone during the Champions League knockout stages and played a crucial role in helping Barcelona lift the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España trophies, especially against their fierce rivals, Real Madrid.
On the flip side, Dembele has had his best season yet, scoring 33 goals in 49 games while adjusting to a new false nine role under PSG coach Luis Enrique. He even snagged the Champions League Player of the Season award for his contributions, which were instrumental in PSG’s quest for their first UCL title. Both players have been praised left and right by the media, pundits, and fellow players, making them the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or this year.
“They’re both incredible people. Honestly, I care for them both a lot. Ousmane was like a brother to me when he arrived. And Lamine? He’s got so much talent and is really something special,” Pique added.
“I’d lean towards Lamine because he’s with Barca and in the King’s League. He has a team, so I want him to win. He’s young and super talented. But hey, I’ve got love for Ousmane too, and if he ends up winning, I’ll be thrilled for him.”
As for Yamal, he’ll be back with Barcelona for pre-season training in mid-July. Meanwhile, Dembele is already off to the United States for the Club World Cup, with PSG set to face Atletico Madrid in their first match on Sunday. Should be exciting!
blogpay
Total Comments: 0