Kylian Mbappé has thrown his support behind France teammate Ousmane Dembélé as a leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, despite being among the frontrunners himself.
The Real Madrid forward, who clinched the La Liga Golden Boot this season, surprised many by advocating for Dembélé’s recognition, citing the PSG winger’s outstanding campaign.
The annual Ballon d’Or ceremony, which will crown the world’s best footballer later this year, is expected to feature a tightly contested field. FC Barcelona boasts a strong contingent of nominees, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal joining seasoned teammates Pedri, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski in the conversation.
Yet it is the resurgence of Dembélé at Paris Saint-Germain that has caught Mbappé’s attention. Since his move from Barcelona to the French capital in 2023, Dembélé has enjoyed what many consider a career-defining season.
His dynamic displays on the wing, marked by both consistency and creativity, have helped propel PSG to new heights. In a standout performance that further strengthened his candidacy, Dembélé netted four goals in a single match — a moment that many believe could prove decisive in the award race.
Mbappé’s endorsement is especially notable given the fierce rivalry between his current club, Real Madrid, and his former side, PSG. While the Madrid star’s own achievements — including leading La Liga in goals scored — place him firmly among the top candidates, he has insisted that Dembélé’s body of work over the past year deserves the highest individual accolade in football.
“Ousmane has been brilliant all season. He’s matured, found consistency, and taken responsibility in big games. It’s only right that people talk about him seriously for the Ballon d’Or,” Mbappé stated, sidestepping any self-promotion.
That statement gains more weight considering the broader context. During the European Championship semi-finals, Lamine Yamal delivered a brace to eliminate France, a result that ended Mbappé’s run with Les Bleus.
Despite that painful setback, the Real Madrid star didn’t shift his admiration to Yamal or the victorious Spanish squad. Instead, he doubled down on his belief in Dembélé’s merit, underscoring how club form remains central to the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Dembélé’s journey has been one of peaks and troughs. Plagued by injuries in his earlier years at Barcelona, the winger struggled to maintain form and consistency.
But his transfer to PSG appears to have reignited his career. Surging into the spotlight with a string of decisive performances, he now stands not just as a comeback story, but as a genuine contender for world football’s top honour.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, still only 17, has emerged as a global sensation. His composure, creativity, and impact on big games — including his display at the Euros — have sparked widespread praise. Alongside him, Pedri’s midfield control, Raphinha’s flair, and Lewandowski’s enduring presence give Barcelona a formidable presence in the Ballon d’Or discussion.
The final shortlist remains unannounced, but with star players delivering peak performances across both domestic and international stages, this year’s Ballon d’Or race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
In a year defined by individual brilliance and fierce national and club rivalries, Mbappé’s backing of Dembélé is not just a nod to a teammate — it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes greatness is best recognized from those who compete at its very edge.
