Ousmane Dembele has made a bold prediction about football's most prestigious individual award, insisting that the 2025 Ballon d'Or will remain at Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking to France Football, the French winger expressed unwavering confidence that one of his teammates will claim the trophy, dismissing wider speculation about candidates across Europe's elite leagues.
"I don't think this trophy is in doubt. I think it will stay in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player," Dembele stated with conviction. His remarks signal confidence in PSG's depth of talent under Luis Enrique, though he notably excluded himself from contention, saying he never votes for himself when discussing individual accolades.
Dembele's Top Three Rankings
When asked to outline his favorites for the award, Dembele offered a diverse list spanning Europe's top divisions. His top three included Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane (citing an exceptional season), and Kylian Mbappe. Notably absent from his immediate rankings was teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, despite the Barcelona youngster's starring role in Spain's recent international tournament success.
However, Dembele acknowledged Yamal's potential while suggesting other performers deserved priority consideration. He highlighted several overlooked talents who merited recognition:
- Michael Olise — named best player in the Bundesliga with an incredible season
- Fabian Ruiz — delivering consistent performances in PSG's midfield
- Willian Pacho — a defensive standout Dembele believes has been forgotten by media
The winger's argument centers on recognizing tactical foundations and consistency rather than solely celebrating flashy attacking displays. He emphasized that voters should look beyond highlight reels to appreciate the players maintaining PSG's status as a European powerhouse. This perspective challenges the traditional Ballon d'Or tendency to favor goalscorers and prolific attackers.
Historic Award Ceremony Awaits
The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or will take place on 26 October in London, marking the first time the ceremony has been held in the English capital. This location honors Sir Stanley Matthews, the award's inaugural winner in 1956, as the prize continues expanding its global influence. The historic venue adds significance to what promises to be a closely contested race among Europe's elite talent.
