Sergio Busquets Sends Barcelona Blunt Message Over Ballon d’Or Race | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembélé could close in on the Ballon d’Or after a spectacular 2024-25 season with PSG. The French winger was the driving force in their attack as the club claimed a historic treble.

Early conversations about the award have centered on Dembélé and Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal. Dembélé put up standout numbers, scoring 35 goals and adding 16 assists in 53 appearances, playing a decisive role in PSG’s Champions League triumph and domestic dominance.

Yamal also left his mark with 18 goals and 25 assists across 55 matches last season. His contributions powered Barcelona to the league title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España, cementing his place in the Ballon d’Or race.

Ousmane Dembélé receives major backing

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With the Ballon d’Or ceremony inching closer, several players will be asked who they think should deserve to win the prestigious honor. Former Barcelona and current Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets shared his thoughts on who should lift the trophy.

“I have teammates at Barça who would also deserve to win it but I hope Dembélé wins the Ballon d’Or,” Busquets said. “He’s had a great season & has been more consistent. We know the player he is, the differences he makes, what he can do, and hopefully, he can win Ballon d’Or.”

Barcelona back their own in Ballon d’Or race

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Despite factoring in PSG’s treble last season, Dembélé does not have unanimous support. Many observers are voting for Yamal, considered the best player in the world at just 18 years old. Barcelona’s No. 10 also deserves the Ballon d’Or, according to Jules Koundé.

“Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or? You’re putting me in a tricky situation, but I think he deserves it,“ Koundé said. “I have a very good relationship with him. He’s a team player, he works a lot for the team. He needs energy to attack, and I understand him perfectly.”