Barcelona legend backs former teammate for Ballon d’Or – ‘Very happy with what he has achieved’ | OneFootball

In less than a month, the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or award will be announced, and the race appears to be boiling down to between Barcelona rising superstar Lamine Yamal and the man he replaced at the club – Ousmane Dembele of PSG.

Both forwards enjoyed excellent seasons with their respective clubs – Lamine playing a leading role in Barça’s domestic treble and UEFA Champions League semi-final run, while Dembele was key to PSG’s maiden European triumph, along with more domestic success.

Sergio Busquets wishes for Dembele to win the Ballon d’Or

Ahead of the ceremony next month, former Barcelona captain and club legend Sergio Busquets has claimed that he hopes Dembele goes on to win the coveted honour.

The iconic midfielder, currently plying his trade for Inter Miami, along with three other Barcelona legends – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba – expressed his happiness with how things have gone for Dembele at PSG.

“I am very happy with what he has achieved,” he said.

“I was hoping that Barcelona would win the Champions League, but since that didn’t happen, it’s only natural that I was thrilled for my friends, whether with the coaching staff or the players I played with who are now in Paris,” Busquets added.

Busquets and Dembele during their time at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Continuing, the Barcelona legend remarked: “I hope Dembele can win the Ballon d’Or.

“Of course, I also have teammates in Barcelona who deserve it, but I don’t know how the voters will decide or what will be presented as the decisive factor – whether it’s winning an important title like the Champions League or other things.”

The Inter Miami midfielder further noted: “I have never gotten involved in these awards because I find it very difficult to evaluate them and determine who is the best, especially in different positions. But I wish the best for everyone.”

One of the greatest ever to do it, Busquets left Barcelona in the summer of 2023 to join Inter Miami.

The legendary superstar revealed how he never considered joining another club in Europe when he departed, and that the next step for him after Inter Miami would be retirement.

“When I left Barça, I knew I wouldn’t return to play in Spain or Europe. That’s why today I’m closer to retirement than to continuing to play football,” he stated.

Source: SPORT