Kylian Mbappe: I will be happy if Ousmane Dembélé wins this year’s Ballon d’Or

France international of Cameroonian descent Kylian Mbappe has thrown his weight behind compatriot Ousmane Dembélé to annex the 2025 Ballon d’Or accolade.

Mbappe is out of the picture following Real Madrid’s trophyless run last season, with Dembele, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha emerging as the clear favourites.

Dembele is among the nominees for the prestigious award, with the winner due to be announced at a glittering ceremony on Monday, September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

However, the former Paris Saint Germain star has tipped his compatriot to secure the top award this month.

“I will be happy if Dembélé wins [it] because he is my friend and I have supported him from the start. I will watch it on TV and hope that he wins it,” said Mbappe.

Last season, Ousmane Dembélé played 53 matches across all competitions, netting 35 goals, and providing 16 assists. He was instrumental as Paris Saint Germain defied all odds to secure a historic treble, winning the Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coup de France, giving him the edge.