Dembélé tips PSG player to retain Ballon d’Or as he names his top contenders

Ousmane Dembélé expects Paris Saint-Germain to retain the Ballon d’Or despite naming Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé as his own leading candidates for the next award. The 2025 winner has backed a player from the French champions to claim the prize again when the 70th ceremony is staged in London on 26 October.

Key takeaways

• Dembélé believes the next Ballon d’Or will be won by a PSG player.
• The France international selected Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappé as his top three, in no particular order.
• He did not include himself among the contenders, saying he does not vote for himself.
• Michael Olise, Lamine Yamal, Fabián Ruiz and Willian Pacho were also highlighted as players worthy of recognition.
• London will host the Ballon d’Or ceremony for the first time on 26 October.

Dembélé’s candidates and PSG backing

The PSG winger’s shortlist crosses several of Europe’s leading leagues. Kvaratskhelia is among the names he rates most highly, while Kane was praised for an “extremely good” campaign. Mbappé completed the three-player group.

Dembélé nevertheless maintained that the award will remain within the Paris dressing room. His view reflects the importance he places on the collective strength of Luis Enrique’s side, rather than judging the season solely through the most prominent attacking statistics and moments.

He also urged voters not to overlook Pacho, identifying the Ecuador defender as a player whose contribution has received too little attention. Fabián Ruiz was another PSG teammate mentioned, while Bayern Munich forward Olise was described as the Bundesliga’s outstanding player over the season.

Barcelona teenager Yamal was included among the wider list of deserving names, despite not making Dembélé’s initial three selections. The Spanish international’s rapid rise and role in Spain’s recent success have placed him among the most discussed young players in the game.

London prepares for 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony

The 2026 presentation will be the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or and the first held in the English capital. The London venue also recognises the award’s early history: Sir Stanley Matthews, England’s former Blackpool and Stoke City forward, was the inaugural recipient.

With the ceremony set for 26 October, the individual honours race will move into focus after a summer dominated by major international football. Dembélé’s prediction is clear, however: he expects PSG to provide the next winner.