On the sidelines of signing his contract extension with FC Barcelona, until 2030, Jules Koundé took a stand this Thursday in the debate over the future winner of the Ballon d'Or. After much hesitation, the full-back decided in favor of his club teammate, Lamine Yamal, rather than his French partner Ousmane Dembélé.

It was an idyllic day for Jules Koundé. In the offices of the Camp Nou, still undergoing renovations, the right-back officially extended his contract with FC Barcelona until 2030. Once again, looking very elegant, the fashion enthusiast calmly discussed his goals for the season, notably the Champions League, which he hopes to win without making it "an obsession."

Everything was going perfectly until a journalist dared to ask the famous question that has been stirring up the media and social networks for several weeks: Lamine Yamal or Ousmane Dembélé for the 2025 Ballon d'Or? It was important to choose sides.

A preference for his Barcelona teammate

"You're putting me in a difficult position, but I'll be honest and say he deserves it," Jules Koundé joked, referring to Lamine Yamal. He continued: "I have a very good relationship with him, he's an extraordinary and brilliant player. He's also a team player. We watch his dribbling, that's what we focus on, but he's also a team player."

The 26-year-old defender's choice therefore appears to be quite clear, even if he was keen to applaud "other players" who "had a good season." Ousmane Dembélé is therefore not expected to receive official support from his compatriot and French teammate in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or before the ceremony scheduled for September 22.

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With his contract extension until 2030, Jules Koundé, who has already played 142 matches for the Catalan club, should become the Frenchman with the most appearances in the FC Barcelona shirt ahead of Eric Abidal (193 matches), Ousmane Dembélé (185 matches) and Clément Lenglet (160 matches).