‘He sometimes looks like a fourth division player’ – Chris Waddle slams French-Malian star Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win

French-Guinean forward Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win has sparked debate, with former Ligue 1 star Chris Waddle questioning whether the winger truly deserved football’s most prestigious individual award.

Dembele, whose father is Malian and mother is of Mauritanian-Senegalese descent, enjoyed a remarkable 2024–25 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the club secure a historic treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League titles.

The 28-year-old finished the season with 35 goals and 14 assists across all competitions and was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.

However, speaking to BOYLE Sports, Waddle argued that despite the numbers, Dembele’s game often lacks consistency and the polish of a truly great player.

“I think people are too invested in stats,” Waddle said. “If a player is the top goalscorer, it proves they’re the best at scoring goals, but that doesn’t necessarily make them a great player.”

He continued, “Dembele is an off-the-cuff player who sometimes dribbles like Messi, but other weeks he looks like a fourth division player. You never know what you’re going to get with him. He’s a dribbler.”

Dembele’s form during PSG’s European triumph was widely praised, particularly his eight goals in 15 Champions League appearances that guided the club to glory.

Yet, critics like Waddle insist that the winger’s fluctuating performances make his Ballon d’Or win controversial.

The award placed Dembele ahead of Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha, solidifying his status as one of football’s elite.

But for some, including Waddle, questions remain about whether his flair and flashes of brilliance outweigh his inconsistency.