Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been put on the spot on international duty with France by being asked [who is his pick for the Ballon d’Or](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/3/11/24383472/raphinha-enhances-ballon-dor-claims-with-brilliant-champions-league-showing-for-barcelona).
France team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are in the running along with the likes of Barca stars Lamine Yamal and Raphina.
Kounde was pretty diplomatic with his answer but is hoping it’s one of his club colleagues.
> “You’re putting me in a difficult situation (laughs), between my teammates from the French national team and Barcelona. I play for Barcelona, so it would be great if a Barça player won it; it would mean we’ve had a good season,” he told a press conference.
The defender also went on to speak about Yamal and how he tries to help him out on the pitch.
> “We get along well on and off the field,” he added. “People sometimes forget he’s only 17. He’s still a teenager who loves to laugh and joke.
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> “On the pitch, he’s come along slowly, but he’s easy to play with; he makes his teammates better. We talk a lot to see how I can open up space for him. We complement each other very well, and I try to communicate a lot with him about defensive work.”
Kounde and France are currently preparing for two Nations League quarter-final ties with Croatia over the international break.