Ronaldinho Told Player He Could Win Ballon d'Or And 'Make History' But We're Still Waiting

Ronaldinho is still waiting for his Ballon d'Or prediction to come true ahead of Monday night's ceremony in Paris, although the chances of it happening anytime soon are slim to none.

The former Brazil international, who is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players of all time, will present the Ballon d'Or trophy to this year's winner on September 22.

Ousmane Dembele is the favourite to take home football's most prestigious individual prize after a superb 2024-25 campaign with PSG, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Vitinha are also in the running.

Dembele should win the award on Monday night, according to Paul Pogba. "He will always be a bit ahead of Yamal [this year], even if he killed it this year, because he won the Champions League," said the World Cup winner.

"He was so important, scoring goals in big games and doing stuff like that. This is his year; if he does not win it now, he will never win it. So I will definitely go for [Dembele]."

Ronaldinho will present the Ballon d'Or to the winner on Monday. Image credit: Getty

Pogba, who is looking to revive his career at Ligue 1 side Monaco following a lengthy doping ban, was previously backed to win the Ballon d'Or by Ronaldinho.

In fact, the former Barcelona man was convinced he would do it one day. "He can win the Ballon d'Or, without a doubt," Ronaldinho told Canal Football Club in April 2018.

"I see Pogba as a friend, I don't see myself as his idol. He is young, talented and he has the ability to play anywhere, he can play in a free role, defensive, as a runner or attacking."

"He has the characteristics of a player who can fill any position, he can make history," added Ronaldinho.

At the time, Pogba was playing under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Ronaldinho backed the Frenchman to improve under the self-proclaimed 'Special One', adding: "I think Paul really has a lot to learn from Mourinho, who is one of the best coaches in the world. A coach who has won so many titles should be respected."

Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, Pogba ultimately failed to live up to hefty expectations at Old Trafford and in 2022, he left on free transfer.

Pogba has yet to make his official debut for new club Monaco. Image credit: Getty

Three years on and Pogba is still waiting to make his Monaco debut. He has not played since he featured in Juventus' Serie A clash against Empoli in September 2023.

The 32-year-old was suspended for four years in 2023 after an initial sample taken after a game against Udinese showed DHEA – a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body, including testosterone – in his system.

Pogba denied 'knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations' and, after an appeal, his ban was reduced to 18 months.