Legendary Barcelona defender heaped praise on both Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal and spoke his mind on who he would pick to win the Ballon d'Or.

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Pique praises Dembele & Yamal Ex-defender chose the teenager ahead of the Frenchman for 2025 Ballon d'OrClarified that he would be just as happy if the PSG star won the award Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Former Barca defender Pique was the latest to chime in on the 2025 Ballon d'Or debate. The legendary centre-back praised the top two candidates — Yamal and Dembele — but ultimately picked the teenage sensation to lift the prestigious individual accolade.c

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Yamal had a sensational season for club and country, scoring 21 goals and chipping in with a whopping 25 assists in 62 games. He showed incredible quality in the Champions League knockout games, and played a starring role for the Catalans as they beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana trophies.

Dembele, meanwhile, enjoyed his best season to date, scoring 33 goals in 49 games while playing in a new false nine role under PSG head coach Luis Enrique. The Frenchman was awarded the Champions League Player of the Season award for his immense contributions that helped Les Parisiens end their quest for a maiden UCL title. Both players have been hailed by the press, pundits, and players and have become the frontrunners to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

WHAT GERARD PIQUE SAID

Speaking at the event this week (h/t MARCA), Pique said: "I played with both of them (Dembele and 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.

"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."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL AND DEMBELE?

Yamal will return to pre-season duties with Barcelona in mid-July, while Dembele has already flown to the United States to participate in the Club World Cup with PSG. Luis Enrique's side will clash against Atletico Madrid in their opening game of the tournament on Sunday.