Franco-Beninese star Jules Koundé makes U-turn on Ballon d’Or winner prediction

France international of Benin descent Jules Koundé has made a U-turn regarding his 2025 Ballon d’Or winner prediction.

Koundé, who plies his trade for Barcelona had previously tipped his teammate Lamine Yamal to scoop the top award at the expense of his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé, who is in the books of treble winners, Paris Saint Germain.

However, Koundé has now shifted his stance, declaring that both players are worthy of the honor and that the strongest should prevail.

The 18-year-old, who also has both Morocco and Equatorial Guinea roots exploded last season, helping Barcelona to secure both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles respectively.

He also delivered a standout performance as Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid on four occasions last season. Yamal racked up 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 appearances for Barcelona.

On the other side, Dembele guided PSG to secure a historic treble in Europe, while playing in the final of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament in the USA.

“Both deserve the award. They’ve had an outstanding season with trophies to show for it. Lamine is dragging the team forward, while Ousmane is playing his best football and posting impressive stats. May the best man win,” the Frenchman said at a press conference.

The winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Monday, September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.