Ballon d’Or 2025: Ousmane Dembele backs PSG player to win as Kylian Mbappe makes case

Ousmane Dembele believes the Ballon d’Or will remain with a Paris Saint-Germain player, while Kylian Mbappe has openly argued that his achievements make him worthy of the award.

The debate over football’s most prestigious individual prize has intensified as the ceremony approaches in the coming weeks. Mbappe said on Monday that playing for Real Madrid, whom he described as “the best club in the world”, naturally brings a player into discussions about major individual honours.

“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you are inevitably linked to these awards. When people meet me in the street, they talk to me about it. It is a very valuable reward for any player,” Mbappe said.

The France international also referred to his achievements at the summer’s most prestigious competition, although he acknowledged that the Ballon d’Or decision would ultimately be made by journalists.

“I made history this summer in the most prestigious competition. But there is still a long way to go. Everyone is free to think about who the best player in the world is (…) It is very personal. Everyone has their opinion. Some will say yes and some will say no. It is a debate… not everyone necessarily has to think like me. This year could be a good one for the Ballon d’Or, but it is awarded by journalists, and they will decide,” he added.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Mbappe’s comments prompted angry reactions in France and Spain. The 2018 World Cup winner was criticised by some for displaying excessive confidence.

Mbappe is not the only player with a strong claim in a field featuring several leading contenders. Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Lamine Yamal are among those who can put forward credible cases, alongside the reigning winner, PSG forward Dembele.

With the contest considered especially close, public comments from the leading candidates are being examined closely. Dembele addressed the issue in an interview with France Football on Tuesday morning, choosing not to engage with speculation over the voting process.

“I do not think there is any doubt about this award. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” Dembele said.

Asked to name his three leading players in the world, without placing them in order, Dembele selected Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappe.

“Kvara, and Harry Kane, who had a very, very good season, and I think Kylian Mbappe,” he said.

Dembele’s respect for his France team-mate was clear, but his comments also highlighted the collective success enjoyed by Paris Saint-Germain. His position contrasted with Mbappe’s strong personal ambition, as the former Barcelona player preferred to emphasise the strength of the Parisian side when discussing the possibility of retaining the award.

“Me? Oh no, I never put myself in those things. I never vote for myself at all. If I were the one speaking, I would not vote for myself. There are also many other players. Michael Olise could be on the list because he had an amazing season and was the best player in the Bundesliga, and also Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz and Pacho… We forget the latter, Pacho. I hope we do not forget him this year because he deserves it,” Dembele said.