Ousmane Dembélé backs PSG teammate to win next Ballon d’Or

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé believes the Ballon d’Or will remain in the hands of a PSG player, despite a number of world-class stars emerging as contenders for the prestigious individual award.

Dembélé, the current Ballon d’Or holder in an interview insisted a player from the Parisian club has what it takes to claim the prize again following an impressive performances last term.

The France international won the award last September after playing a key role in a historic campaign for PSG.

The Parisian club enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions, while also reaching the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Dembélé was one of the standout performers during that campaign, helping PSG finally secure their first Champions League title and establish themselves as one of Europe’s dominant teams.

PSG subsequently retained their Champions League crown last season, further strengthening the club’s case for another Ballon d’Or winner.

With the individual prize once again attracting intense debate, Dembélé believes the winner could come from within the PSG dressing room.

“I think that the Ballon d’Or will stay in the hands of a PSG player,” Dembélé told L’Équipe.

The Frenchman was then asked to identify his leading candidates for the award and named three players at the top of his list: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.

Interestingly, Dembélé did not include himself among his three leading contenders despite being the reigning winner.

When asked whether his decision was motivated by humility, the PSG star responded: “Yeah, that’s it.”

His comments underline the depth of talent currently associated with the Parisian club, with several of their players capable of competing for the biggest individual prize in football.

Kvaratskhelia has emerged as one of PSG’s key attacking players, while the club’s previous star Kylian Mbappé remains firmly among the world’s elite despite his departure from Paris.

Dembélé also mentioned several other high-profile players when discussing the Ballon d’Or race.

Among those he identified were Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, France international Michael Olise, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, PSG midfielder Fabián Ruiz and defender Willian Pacho.

The inclusion of Yamal highlights the growing influence of the teenage Barcelona sensation, who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football.

Dembélé was also asked specifically about Lionel Messi and whether the Argentine remains part of the Ballon d’Or conversation.

The PSG forward did not include the former Barcelona and PSG star among his contenders, instead sticking with the names he had already identified.

The Ballon d’Or debate is expected to intensify as the season progresses, particularly with several candidates competing at the highest level for their clubs and national teams.

For Dembélé, however, the belief is clear: PSG have enough quality within their ranks to produce the next winner.

Having personally lifted the award after PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, the Frenchman knows better than most what it takes to emerge from the competition with the prestigious prize.

Whether his prediction proves correct remains to be seen, but with Kvaratskhelia, Ruiz and Pacho among the PSG players he highlighted, the French champions could once again have a strong presence when the next Ballon d’Or winner is announced.