Head coach of the France national team, Didier Deschamps, insists that Ousmane Dembele deserves to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.
In his view, the outcome of the Nations League final should not affect the chances of the France forward of Malian descent winning the prestigious award later this year.
Deschamps acknowledges the performances of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe but believes Ousmane Dembele has done better than the two players.
“Ousmane Dembélé deserves the Ballon d’Or. For me, yes, 100%,” the coach said at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of France’s semi-final clash against Spain.
Deschamps added, “This Nations League can give some indication, the Club World Cup too, but with the season (Dembélé) has had [he deserves it].”
Ousmane Dembele has had an outstanding season with PSG.
The forward at the end of the 2024/25 campaign won the European Champions League with PSG and was named the best player in the continental tournament.
With 33 goals and 15 assists, he led the season for the club from the French capital, which also secured a hat-trick of domestic titles (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions).
