Ousmane Dembele has cemented his status as one of the world’s top performers in the 2024–25 season, and now, at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, he’s aiming to finish the campaign on the highest note possible. With Paris Saint-Germain into the semifinals, Dembele addressed his Ballon d’Or chances head-on.
After sweeping every domestic trophy in France, PSG capped their season with a historic UEFA Champions League final, thrashing Inter Milan 5–0. Dembélé was one of the standout performers in that run, and now finds himself firmly in the conversation for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Ahead of PSG’s semifinal showdown with Bayern Munich, Dembele was asked about the possibility of winning the Ballon d’Or. “Of course you think about it. I know that with the season I’ve had, I’m not too far off. But, as I said, I focus on the team before thinking about myself. Still, I’m not too far away,” he said in an interview with DAZN.
Alongside Lamine Yamal, Dembele has been one of the most influential players of the season. However, unlike the 17-year-old Barcelona star and teammates like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Pedri, Dembele has the edge of having won the Champions League—something he hopes will tilt the balance in his favor.
Across all competitions, the PSG winger has recorded 35 goals and 15 assists in 53 appearances this season. With more matches to play in the Club World Cup, the tournament could serve as the final step in his case to secure the Ballon d’Or—though Real Madrid may have something to say about PSG’s dream season.
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Video: Dembele honors Diogo Jota with celebration after scoring for 9-man PSG vs. Bayern
PSG president sees Dembele Ballon d’Or as the only option
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will once again be held in Paris on September 22, with the list of nominees set to be announced on August 7. But as far as PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is concerned, there’s only one logical winner.
Speaking to DAZN, the Qatari magnate made his stance clear with a candid statement. “Ousmane’s season is magnificent. There is no doubt that he won’t win the Ballon d’Or. If he doesn’t win it, there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or. He has done everything,” said Al-Khelaifi.
