Unai Emery backs Ousmane Dembele for Ballon d’Or

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has named Ousmane Dembele as his leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, placing the Paris Saint-Germain forward ahead of high-profile rivals Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

Emery’s view follows Dembele’s impressive season, in which he helped PSG achieve major success in France and Europe.

Dembélé played a central role in PSG’s campaign, combining creativity, goals and a growing leadership presence. The former Barcelona winger has transformed into one of Europe’s most decisive attackers, making a compelling case for football’s most prestigious individual award.

“For me, Dembele is the favourite,” Emery said when asked about the Ballon d’Or race. “He was very important for Paris Saint-Germain last season, and he deserves to be among the leading candidates.”

The coach’s comments will add further weight to the debate surrounding the award. Mbappe remains one of the game’s biggest names, while Barcelona’s Yamal continues to attract attention for his extraordinary talent and influence at a young age.

However, Emery’s endorsement reflects Dembele’s growing status after a campaign that showcased his consistency in decisive moments. The winner will be decided later this year, but the PSG star has clearly earned serious recognition in an increasingly competitive race.