Ousmane Dembele is among the favourites to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a sensational 12 months with Paris Saint-Germain.
The French forward finally lived up to the high expectations placed on him when he first burst onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund, scoring 35 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions.
He also contributed with 16 assists after being transformed from a winger into a false-nine.
His contributions in front of goal inspired the French giants to a historic treble, helping them win their first UEFA Champions League crown as well as the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France.
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The Frenchman also played a starring role in the UEFA Champions League final, helping his side to an emphatic 5-0 win over Serie A icons Inter Milan.
Dembele was one of PSG’s key players in Munich, setting up two goals and running his socks off for the team.
Now Paris Saint-Germain’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has had his say on Dembele’s pursuit of the most coveted individual honour in world football.
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He believes that journalists should give their honest opinion when voting for who they think should take home the prize.
“For sure, he is [an amazing player],” he said at the draw for this season’s Champions League league phase.
“Dembele is an amazing player, an amazing striker, and he works really hard for the team.
“And an amazing person also.
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"I think all of you guys know that, so I hope everybody gives [their] honest opinion."
Lamine Yamal is probably Dembele’s closest rival to win the award after a breakout season for the Spaniard.
He helped Barcelona regain the La Liga title after scoring 18 goals and producing 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.
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However, Al-Khelaifi insists that the race for the Ballon d’Or is as good as over after an impressive 2024/2025 campaign from the Frenchman.
"Ousmane’s season is magnificent,” he said while speaking to DAZN in July.
“There is no doubt that he won’t win the Ballon d’Or.
“If he doesn’t win it, there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or.
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“He has done everything.”
The winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on 22nd September.
Topics: Ousmane Dembele, Ballon d'Or, Paris Saint-Germain
Jonathan Bray