Rodri Hernández, Manchester City midfielder and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has once again stirred debate with his latest comments. The Spaniard revealed his picks for the 2025 edition of the award — and notably left out Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation from Barcelona. Instead, he backed two Paris Saint-Germain players: Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha.

Why doesn’t Rodri see Lamine Yamal as a favorite?

The midfielder, who missed much of the season due to injury, admitted his admiration for what Yamal and Pedri bring to Barça. But in his view, the award must go to Paris this year:

“I’d like Lamine or Pedri to win it, but based on sporting merit, it has to be Dembélé or Vitinha,” he told Europa.

The statement raised eyebrows given Yamal’s meteoric rise at just 18 years old. The Barça forward broke into the spotlight as the club’s new star and earned a place among the 30 nominees. Still, Rodri insists that isn’t enough to eclipse PSG’s leading men.

Why is Dembélé considered the main candidate?

Under Luis Enrique, Dembélé underwent an astonishing transformation. Once known as an unpredictable winger, he became a prolific finisher, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists across all competitions. His reinvention as a central forward was pivotal in PSG’s Champions League triumph and domestic dominance.

With those numbers, Dembélé stands as the natural favorite for the Ballon d’Or — and Rodri’s endorsement only strengthens that case.

What role did Vitinha play?

Though less flashy, Vitinha was equally crucial. The Portuguese midfielder controlled PSG’s rhythm, orchestrated play, and carried that influence onto the international stage, guiding Portugal to a Nations League title. His consistency and vision have put him firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation, and Rodri’s public support adds weight to his candidacy.