Tchouameni backs Mbappe, Dembele and Olise for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Aurelien Tchouameni has nominated three fellow French players for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the prestigious award should return to France.

The Real Madrid and France midfielder named Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise as his preferred candidates during an interview with France 24. Asked who he would vote for if he had a ballot, Tchouameni said the decision was difficult because “there are many players who deserve it”.

He then highlighted Mbappe’s outstanding season, while also praising Dembele for his performances with Paris Saint-Germain and their successful Champions League campaign.

“Kylian Mbappe had an exceptional season and I think he deserves it,” said Tchouameni. “Ousmane Dembele also deserves it after what he achieved with Paris, and winning the Champions League again. There is also Michael Olise.”

When asked whether his nominations were limited to French players, Tchouameni replied: “Yes, of course. The Ballon d’Or must return to France.”

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 26 October at the London Palladium. It will be the first time the British capital has hosted the event, with the ceremony being held in honour of Stanley Matthews, the first winner of the award in 1956.

Dembele will be attempting to retain the prize after winning the 2025 edition. His victory made him the sixth Frenchman to receive the award.

All three players identified by Tchouameni have strong claims. Dembele helped Paris Saint-Germain retain the Champions League title after they defeated Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest. He scored the penalty that brought the match level before the shootout.

Mbappe finished the season with 50 goals and 10 assists for Real Madrid and France. He also became the leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals. However, his campaign ended without a trophy.

Olise, meanwhile, was named the best player in the German league. He also broke Pele’s record for the most assists by a player in a single edition of the World Cup, recording seven.