Dembélé’s standout performances during PSG’s historic Champions League run, culminating in their dominant victory over Inter in May, have catapulted him into serious contention for the prestigious award. ..Continue Reading
Yamal, also in the running for the Ballon d’Or, strengthened his case by playing a key role in Barcelona’s title-winning campaign.
Following Spain’s win over France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final earlier this summer, Yamal spoke openly about the rivalry between him and Dembélé in the race for football’s top individual honor.
“I always tell my mother that I try to give my best. The best thing is to speak on the field,” Yamal said in June.
“That’s what motivates me to play football; that’s what makes me get up in the morning. Dembele is a great player, but we’re in the final.”
Spain would go on to lose the UEFA Nations League final to Portugal, with Roberto Martinez side overseeing glory with a 5-3 penalty shootout victory.
However, Yamal did go on to add that he isn’t thinking about the Ballon d’Or and is instead focussing on winning more trophies for his club and country.
“I don’t think about the Ballon d’Or; I think you’ll end up badly if you only think about that. I think about winning,” Yamal stated earlier this summer.
“Imagine if I win the World Cup and the Champions League next year, then the Ballon d’Or will come by itself. But the most important thing is to enjoy football.”
Yamal enjoyed a good season at club level, as the teenage star managed 13 assists and nine goals in Barcelona’s title winning campaign.
However, despite the 18-year-old’s exploits, compatriot and PSG manager Luis Enrique has thrown his backing behind Dembele for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
“Everyone’s talking about the Ballon d’Or, I would give it to Ousmane Dembele,” Enrique said in the wake of PSG’s Champions League win.
“Just because of, if we think about how he defended today. He showed just what he was made of. He was a leader, he was humble, and he defended. Without a shadow of a doubt, he deserves this. Not just for the goals that he’s scored, but also for the pressing we saw. We’ve seen such a season from him, and he was exceptional.”
Dembele was essential as PSG lifted the Champions League in Munich as he scored eight goals and provided six assists, including a brace against Inter in the final, in Europe’s elite club competition.
