The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is less than a week away, and the spotlight is firmly on Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele.
After a sensational 2024–25 season, the French winger is widely regarded as the frontrunner to be crowned the best player in the world.
PSG sporting director Luis Campos has no doubts about who deserves the award. Speaking to RMC Sport (via Mundo Deportivo), Campos passionately defended Dembélé’s case:
“If Ousmane [Dembele] doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or it’ll be because the people who voted don’t have the competence to vote for the Ballon d’Or. The one who clearly deserves the Ballon is Ousmane Dembele, there’s no discussion.”
Campos emphasized that his support is based on Dembélé’s extraordinary performances last season, not future projections.
Dembele’s Record-Breaking Season at PSG
Since arriving from Barcelona in the summer of 2023, Dembele has grown into PSG’s talisman, especially after Kylian Mbappe’s departure. Playing in a central false-nine role under Luis Enrique, the 28-year-old delivered the best campaign of his career.
- 53 appearances
- 35 goals
- 16 assists
- Four major trophies (including Ligue 1 and the Champions League)
His performances earned him the titles of Ligue 1 Player of the Season and Champions League Best Player.
Campos highlighted the double standard in Ballon d’Or debates, saying:
“Ousmane Dembele was named the best player in the Champions League, the best player in his league, he’s won it all. If his name was Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, there would be no discussion.”
Rivals for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
While Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Raphinha remain in contention, Dembele is the clear favorite heading into the ceremony. A victory would make him the sixth French player to lift the prestigious award.
Football fans and experts will find out the result on Monday, September 22, when the world discovers if Ousmane Dembele finally gets the recognition he deserves.
