[WATCH] Paul Pogba names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favourite on IShowSpeed's stream

Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele are the front-runners for the award

Paul Pogba’s return to competitive football is getting closer after his ban period was reduced and he joined French side AS Monaco.

Pogba has now also entered the argument and chosen a winner for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Following the end of the 2024–25 season, the 2025 Ballon d’Or debate is still raging, with most people putting Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain as the front-runners.

The French midfielder was asked for his Ballon d’Or choice during a recent interview with streamer iShowSpeed in Monaco, and he didn’t hold back when asked.

Paul Pogba backs Dembele to win 2025 Ballon d’Or

“I support Dembele 100%. Ousmane won the Champions league and was decisive for his team. If he doesn’t win the Ballon d’or this year, he never will”

Pogba also praised Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha for their successful seasons, but remained steadfast with Dembele.

The list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on August 7; the ceremony is slated for September 22. Pogba is supporting his fellow World Cup-winning teammate from France’s 2018 squad.

The focus is still firmly on Dembele and Yamal, even if a lot of names have entered the Ballon d’Or discussion in recent weeks, including Vitinha and Nuno Mendes of PSG, Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski of Barça, and even Cole Palmer of Chelsea.

Yamal and Dembele set for Ballon d’Or showdown

Dembele’s numbers and honours are self-evident. The French winger had outstanding individual performances throughout the season and played a crucial role in helping PSG become the first French team to win a treble. He flourished in Luis Enrique’s system, playing in different roles and positions, scoring 35 goals and dishing out 16 assists in 53 games.

Yamal, on the other hand, enthralled admirers with his ageless grace, vision, and flair. Memorable moments were created by Barcelona’s ace, including crucial goals against Real Madrid and an outstanding showing in the UEFA Nations League semifinal that saw France’s Dembele ousted.

He concluded the season with 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games, helping Barca win two domestic titles. Despite having fewer goals than Dembele, Yamal is a serious candidate due to his overall impact last season.

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