Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has named Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé as his pick for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, surprising many by favoring him over teammate Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Konaté praised Dembélé’s outstanding season, stating, “Dembélé has had an exceptional season. I have no words. No one expected it to be like that.” Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG has been remarkable since his 2023 move from Barcelona. Under coach Luis Enrique, the 28-year-old has finally lived up to his early promise, delivering consistent performances that have defined PSG’s campaign.
His contributions have been vital in both domestic and European competitions. This season, Dembélé has netted 21 goals in 29 Ligue 1 matches, helping PSG secure another league title. However, his most significant impact came in the Champions League, where his eight goals and six assists propelled PSG to their first-ever triumph in the competition. The French winger’s transformation has been praised by Enrique, who highlighted his humility, leadership, and defensive work rate as key factors in his success. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency at Barcelona, Dembélé has now become a cornerstone of PSG’s attack.
A recent L’Équipe poll reinforced Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or credentials, with 40.9% of voters favoring him over rivals like Raphinha and Yamal. His case is further strengthened by PSG’s historic treble, which includes the Ligue 1 title, French Cup, and Champions League. While other contenders like Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappé had strong individual campaigns, their teams fell short in major tournaments. Salah’s Liverpool won the Premier League but exited the Champions League early, while Mbappé’s Real Madrid ended the season trophyless.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has also emerged as a contender, playing a crucial role in their domestic double. However, Dembélé’s consistency and impact in high-stakes matches give him the edge in the Ballon d’Or race. As the ceremony approaches, Dembélé’s journey from unfulfilled potential to global stardom stands as a testament to his resilience. His performances this season have not only silenced critics but also positioned him as the favorite for football’s most prestigious individual award. Should he win, it would mark a triumphant culmination of his career revival—a story of perseverance, brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The football world now waits to see if Dembélé’s extraordinary season will be crowned with the Ballon d’Or.