Kylian Mbappé has recently vocalized his endorsement for Ousmane Dembélé as the frontrunner to clinch the highly prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2025, highlighting Dembélé’s remarkable performances in the past season. Dembélé, a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), excelled in the UEFA Champions League, where he not only scored eight goals but also contributed six assists, playing a pivotal role in steering his team towards continental success. His achievement in the Champions League stands out as a significant achievement in a season where he also notched up an impressive 21 goals in Ligue 1, marking him as a leading contender for football’s most coveted individual honor.
The endorsement from Mbappé, who previously shared the pitch with Dembélé at PSG before making a high-profile move to Real Madrid, adds considerable weight to Dembélé’s prospects. Mbappé stated his preference clearly, saying, “I don’t think it needs much explaining. People are talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembele, but my choice is clear: I vote for Dembele.” This endorsement comes against a backdrop where other players, notably the rising star Lamine Yamal, are also generating discussions around the impending awards, yet Mbappé’s focus remains firmly on Dembélé.
Adding another layer of support, France’s national team manager Didier Deschamps expressed his unwavering confidence in Dembélé’s abilities and contributions. In a statement made earlier in the week, Deschamps articulated, “Of course I am for Ousmane, since he is French and with the season he is celebrating.” His remarks affirm Dembélé’s strong candidacy, suggesting that his contributions could indeed be pivotal in the upcoming Nations League and Club World Cup standings, which might further elevate his profile before the award ceremony. Deschamps didn’t shy away from asserting his preference, stating explicitly that if given a choice, it would be “Ous [Ousmane], 100%, of course,” reinforcing the strong support for Dembélé from within the French national camp.
Contrastingly, the Spanish contingent sees things through a different lens, as evidenced by Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente. After Spain’s thrilling 5-4 victory over France, during which Yamal scored twice, de la Fuente remarked, “Lamine Yamal has made a statement tonight and shown that he should win the Ballon d’Or.” By proclaiming Yamal as the “best player in the world,” de la Fuente provided a counter-narrative to the French camp’s enthusiasm for Dembélé.
The fervent discussions among managers and players underline the competitive spirit that surrounds football’s most prestigious awards. As the dust settles post the recent football season, the anticipation builds around the announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner, scheduled for September. However, as Mbappé pointed out, “Things can change a lot before September,” suggesting that while current performances may guide opinions, the forthcoming matches might alter the landscape ahead of the awards.
Streaming services like TNT Sports and discovery+ are set to broadcast key football events, providing fans with access to Premier League matches, as well as UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League games, fostering a deeper connection between fans and their favorite players. As Dembélé and Yamal each aim for the accolade, the excitement surrounding future matches will undoubtedly add to the drama leading to the awarding of the Ballon d’Or, showcasing not only national pride but also the individual brilliance of these talented footballers on a global stage. With high-profile endorsements and continued stellar performances, the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is certainly heating up, sparking debates and discussions both on and off the pitch.
