Lamine Yamal or Ousmane Dembele? Gerard Pique Reveals His Ballon d’Or 2025 Pick

Gerard Pique Chooses Between Two Barcelona Icons in Waiting

The Ballon d’Or conversation for 2025 has already begun to heat up, and few voices in football carry as much weight in Barcelona circles as that of Gerard Pique. The former Blaugrana stalwart and Spain international, who shared the pitch with countless legends over the years, has weighed in on this year’s most hotly debated individual award. His choice? A blend of sentiment, loyalty, and footballing foresight.

What Happened?

Speaking at the recent Viva Technology event, Gerard Pique took time to address a burning question posed to him by reporters and fans alike: Who deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or more — PSG’s Ousmane Dembele or Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal?

Having played alongside both players, Pique didn’t hide his admiration for the duo. He praised Dembele’s professionalism, maturity, and transformation into a lethal false nine under Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain. But ultimately, his heart — and his vote — leaned toward the younger of the two.

The Bigger Picture: A Tale of Two Sensational Seasons

Spain v France – UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-final

Lamine Yamal’s 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of historic. At just 17 years old, the winger not only delivered jaw-dropping individual brilliance but also played an integral role in Barcelona’s domestic treble. Scoring 21 goals and providing 25 assists in 62 appearances across all competitions, Lamine Yamal was a consistent threat. His performances in the Champions League knockout stages drew widespread acclaim, and his maturity on the ball has been compared to that of seasoned veterans.

On the other hand, Ousmane Dembele had a renaissance year at PSG. Now 28, Dembele fully embraced his new role as a false nine, leading the line with intelligence, flair, and composure. He scored 33 goals in just 49 appearances, guiding PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown. For his efforts, Dembele was named Champions League Player of the Season, a testament to his influence and consistent brilliance on Europe’s biggest stage.

What Gerard Pique Said

Pique, never one to shy away from offering heartfelt insight, reflected fondly on his time playing with both Dembele and Lamine Yamal.

“I played with both of them (Dembele and Lamine Yamal). I had the opportunity to share a dressing room with Ousmane and Lamine. They’re both incredible people. I love them both very much. Ousmane was like a brother to me because, when he arrived, you already know what he’s like. And Lamine too, I think he’s very, very talented, very special.”

It was clear that the decision wasn’t easy for Pique, whose admiration for both players runs deep. However, his loyalty to his boyhood club, and perhaps a hint of paternal pride in seeing another La Masia gem rise to prominence, ultimately swayed him.

“I would prefer Lamine because he’s now at Barca and also in the King’s League. He has a team, so I would like Lamine to win it. He’s very, very young, very talented, and I think he’s very special. But I also really like Ousmane, and if he wins it in the end, I’ll be happy for him.”

Two Icons of a New Generation

Whether or not Pique’s prediction comes true, the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the resurgence of Dembele signify something bigger than individual accolades. Both players represent different paths to greatness.

Yamal is the shining light of Barcelona’s youth academy, a symbol of what can happen when talent, opportunity, and patience align. His blend of creativity, intelligence, and cool-headed execution in high-pressure moments has made him one of the most talked-about young stars in world football.

Dembele, meanwhile, has followed a more turbulent path to the top. Injuries, inconsistency, and heavy expectations clouded his early years in Spain. But in Paris, he has found a new purpose. Under Luis Enrique, he has flourished tactically and mentally, finally fulfilling the promise that once made him Europe’s most expensive teenager.

What’s Next for Lamine Yamal and Dembele?

dembele

Yamal will join Barcelona for pre-season training in mid-July, as Xavi (or possibly his successor) begins preparations for another campaign full of expectations. The Blaugrana will be aiming to retain their domestic titles and go further in Europe, and Lamine Yamal will undoubtedly play a central role in those plans.

Dembele, on the other hand, is already in the U.S. with PSG, gearing up for the FIFA Club World Cup. The Parisian giants will take on Atletico Madrid in their first fixture, with Dembele again expected to be a focal point of the attack. Should PSG win that tournament, Dembele’s Ballon d’Or case would receive yet another major boost.

A Final Word

Whether it’s the electric rise of Lamine Yamal or the thrilling revival of Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be a fascinating narrative of two contrasting yet equally compelling journeys. Pique has made his choice, but the football world will have the final say when the votes are counted.

One thing is certain: the future of football is in very good hands.