Barcelona legend names his Ballon d’Or pick between Lamine Yamal and Dembele | OneFootball

Former FC Barcelona defender and club legend Gerard Pique spoke to the media earlier today, ahead of the Kings World Cup finals set to be played tomorrow.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner discussed his novel Kings’ League project during the chat while also giving his opinion on the Ballon d’Or race as well as praising PSG manager Luis Enrique.

Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with Barcelona teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and PSG winger Ousmane Dembele emerging as the top contenders for the honour.

Pique knows both players very well, having shared the dressing room with them at Barcelona. And when asked who would his pick be to win the Golden Orb this year, the icon chose the 17-year-old prodigy.

“I’ve had the opportunity to share a dressing room with both Dembele and Lamine. They are both incredible guys. Ousmane you know the way he is, and Lamine is very talented, very special,” said Pique.

Ballon d’Or favourite? (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“I prefer Lamine because he is at Barcelona now and also in the Kings’ League. I would like Lamine to win. He is very young, very talented. I think he is very special. But I would also like Ousmane. And if he finally wins, I’ll be happy for him,” he added.

Praise for Luis Enrique

Pique also reserved praise for Luis Enrique after he led PSG to the UEFA Champions League this season.

“I know Luis Enrique very well. I had the opportunity to have him as a coach for three years. He is extraordinary. His mentality… he’s a real leader. His message has always been I don’t need big stars, I need a team,” said Pique.

Continuing, he added: “Players playing together for a goal that is the same for everyone and he has had this. When Mbappe left, which was a big problem for PSG, they became more of a team.

“Playing the best football in Europe and beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. I think PSG fans should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo