Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or champion, has delivered a seismic shockwave through the football world with his audacious prediction for the next recipient of the game's most coveted individual prize. Forget a wide-open field; according to the Paris Saint-Germain superstar, the golden ball isn't leaving the Parc des Princes anytime soon.
Key Takeaways:
- Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, firmly believes a PSG player will claim the next award.
- He controversially excluded teenage sensation Lamine Yamal from his immediate top three.
- Dembele named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé as his personal favorites.
- The French winger also championed 'unsung heroes' like Michael Olise and Willian Pacho for recognition.
The Reigning King's Bold Prophecy
Speaking exclusively to France Football, Dembele left no room for doubt about his conviction. "I don’t think this trophy is in doubt. I think it will stay in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player," declared the French international. This isn't just a teammate backing a teammate; this is the current holder setting the agenda.
His assertion immediately dismisses the widespread speculation surrounding contenders from other European giants. It highlights the immense confidence within the PSG camp and their belief in their squad's collective and individual brilliance.
Decoding Dembele's Surprising Shortlist
Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of Dembele's statement was his immediate top three. While acknowledging the prodigious talent of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, the PSG winger notably left the young Spaniard out of his primary considerations. Yamal's meteoric rise and crucial role for Spain recently made his omission a significant talking point.
When pressed for his definitive choices, Dembele offered a mix of attacking prowess from across the continent. His mixed list included Napoli's dazzling winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the prolific Harry Kane who enjoyed a stellar individual season, and, unsurprisingly, his own PSG teammate, the talismanic Kylian Mbappé. True to form, he humbly excluded himself from his own predictions.
The Unsung Heroes: Dembele's Eye for Talent
Beyond the obvious superstars, Dembele showcased his astute understanding of the game by spotlighting several players he feels are consistently overlooked. He urged voters to look beyond flashy highlights and consider the consistent, tactical foundations that underpin a successful season.
Among those he championed were Michael Olise, whom he lauded as the "best player in the Bundesliga" after an incredible season. He also gave a shout-out to Lamine Yamal, acknowledging his talent despite his top-three snub, and Fabian Ruiz. Crucially, Dembele made a point to mention Willian Pacho, emphasizing, "We forget that one, Pacho. I hope we don't forget him this year, because he deserves it."
London Awaits Football's Grandest Award
The crescendo for football's ultimate individual accolade is fast approaching. On October 26, the 70th edition of the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony will grace London for the very first time. This historic choice of venue serves as a fitting tribute to the inaugural winner, the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews.
As France Football continues to expand the global reach and prestige of the award, all eyes will be on the English capital. Whether Dembele's bold prediction comes true, the debate and anticipation are already at fever pitch.
