On Wednesday, Ousmane Dembele made headlines as he played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) commanding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid during the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. The match showcased the French forward’s exceptional talents, as he not only assisted the first goal but also netted the second, underscoring his significant impact on the game. The convincing win propelled PSG into the final, setting the stage for an exciting showdown against Chelsea on Sunday. With this victory, Dembele aims to further extend his impressive count of 51 goal involvements this season, contributing substantially to his team’s success.
Head coach Luis Enrique expressed optimism about Dembele’s season and positioned him as a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. While addressing post-match media, Enrique asserted that in order to be considered for the award, a player must not only accumulate goals and assists but also help their team secure trophies. He remarked, “That is Ousmane Dembele; in my opinion, he stands far above other players.” The 55-year-old manager emphasized his belief that Dembele has been crucial to the team’s performance, shining brightly in the current campaign. He further noted, “He deserves to win everything because he gives his all to the club and has consistently performed throughout the season.”
Dembele faced a setback earlier this month when he sustained an injury while on national duty, which sidelined him during the group stages of the Club World Cup. However, he made a notable return during the knockout rounds, where he came off the bench against Inter Miami and Bayern Munich. In their quarter-final clash against Bayern, Dembele demonstrated his knack for crucial moments by scoring the second goal, a testament to his resilience and ability to deliver when it matters most. His contributions have proven valuable, illustrating that he can rise to the occasion even after a period of absence.
Throughout the season, Dembele has continued to showcase his remarkable skills. In a brilliant display during May’s UEFA Champions League victory over Inter Milan, he provided two assists in a decisive 5-0 triumph, which marked PSG’s first title in the prestigious tournament. His ability to score vital goals has also been a trademark this season, as he has made significant contributions against top-tier teams like Liverpool and Arsenal on their journey to the finals. Currently, Dembele boasts an impressive tally of 35 goals and 16 assists, making him one of the most prolific players in Ligue 1.
The renowned former England striker Callum Wilson weighed in on Dembele’s remarkable performance, labeling his statistics as “unbelievable.” He posed a compelling argument: “If Dembele secures the Club World Cup after winning the treble, surely he must win the Ballon d’Or?” As the football community begins speculating about the next Ballon d’Or recipient, Dembele emerges as a frontrunner. However, he faces competition, notably from players like Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and his PSG teammate Vitinha.
The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is slated to be held in Paris in September, with the nominees scheduled to be revealed in August. This timeline creates palpable excitement among fans as they anticipate who will secure the coveted accolade in the world of football. In the meantime, viewers can catch all the action from various prestigious tournaments, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, available on platforms such as TNT Sports and discovery+. With Dembele’s current form and unwavering commitment, the stage is set for him to make a historic claim to football’s most esteemed individual honor.
