Ousmane Dembele’s France international team-mate, Jules Kounde, has backed his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Kounde said that Yamal, who is expected to compete with Dembele, deserves the Ballon d’Or.
Both Yamal and Dembele are among the 30 nominees shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or.
“Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or? You’re putting me in a tricky situation, but I think he deserves it,” Kounde said (via Le10Sport).
“I have a very good relationship with him. He is a team player, he works a lot for the team. I understand him perfectly.”
Yamal, 18, recorded 18 goals for the LaLiga champions last term and produced brilliant display during the UEFA Champions League.
The Spain international was promoted to Barcelona’s first-team by former manager Xavi.
