Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final has dealt a significant blow to Ousmane Dembélé’s chances of clinching the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Once seen as a frontrunner for the prestigious award, the French international saw his campaign falter under the lights of the biggest club fixture of the summer.
PSG entered the final in strong form following an impressive semi-final victory over Real Madrid, a match in which Dembélé played a decisive role. However, the final told a different story.
While Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, delivered a dominant and composed performance, the Parisian side looked flat and disjointed. Most notably, Dembélé was a shadow of the player who had thrilled fans just days earlier.
The French forward struggled to influence proceedings, drawing widespread criticism from the press. French outlet Foot Mercato awarded him a disappointing 3 out of 10, remarking that he was “smothered by the heroic Sanchez,” a reference to Chelsea’s outstanding defensive effort.
L’Équipe was even more severe, rating Dembélé a 2 and highlighting his costly turnover that directly led to Chelsea’s second goal.
British media outlets echoed the sentiment. Goal rated him 4/10, while The Sun noted his failure to step up on the big stage, contrasting his performance with that of Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who played a pivotal role in the victory and is now considered a serious Ballon d’Or contender himself.
The impact of the final has reverberated beyond France and England. In Spain, Mundo Deportivo suggested that Dembélé’s subdued display may have shifted the Ballon d’Or narrative entirely.
The Catalan newspaper noted that young Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, bolstered by a domestic double and a standout individual season, is gaining ground in the race. Yamal’s consistent impact and ability to deliver in high-stakes matches have brought fresh attention to his candidacy.
Commentators in both Spain and France are also questioning whether Dembélé has faltered at the decisive moments. Spanish journalist José Álvarez Haya of El Chiringuito was blunt, claiming Dembélé has “vanished” in crucial matches and left the door open for others, including Barça teammates Pedri and Raphinha.
In France, names such as Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi have also been mentioned as potential rivals, which could further split votes among PSG loyalists.
Former French international Jérôme Rothen, speaking to DAZN, cast doubt on Dembélé’s credentials for football’s top individual honour. “Can a future Ballon d’Or winner afford to disappear in a match like that? For me, the answer is no,” he said, underscoring the critical nature of high-profile performances in shaping voter perception.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony set for 22 September in Paris, Dembélé’s hopes may now hinge on the European Super Cup clash against Tottenham. It is likely to be his final opportunity to make a compelling case and restore lost momentum before ballots are cast.
As the dust settles on PSG’s missed opportunity, one thing is clear: the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is wide open once again — and Dembélé’s grip on the prize may be slipping.
