Ousmane Dembele Eyes Back-to-Back Ballon d’Or Win for PSG
Ousmane Dembele has set his sights on retaining the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while accepting that the vote remains open with the London ceremony six weeks away. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who won the previous edition after a 33-goal, 15-assist season, believes the award will remain with a player from the French champions.
Dembele targets a second consecutive award
The 30-man shortlist has launched the final phase of this year’s Ballon d’Or race, with Dembele among the contenders following his success on 22 September 2025. The France international will learn whether he has defended the prize when the ceremony is staged in London on 26 October.
Dembele faces competition that includes Kylian Mbappe, but he has made clear that a second win is an ambition rather than a burden. He said PSG would keep hold of the trophy, adding that his competitive nature means he wants to win again, even if he is determined not to become consumed by the pursuit.
He also acknowledged the uncertainty around the result, describing this year’s contest as difficult to call.
Timeline of the Ballon d’Or race
- Dembele produced 33 goals and 15 assists in all competitions during the campaign behind his 2025 triumph.
- He collected the Ballon d’Or on 22 September 2025.
- The 2026 shortlist of 30 players was released one week before his latest comments.
- The winner will be announced in London on 26 October.
Recognition has changed his public profile
Dembele said winning the award had altered his everyday experience away from the pitch. He described joining an elite group of players and said supporters now identify him immediately as a Ballon d’Or winner, whether he is walking in public or visiting a restaurant.
For the PSG attacker, that recognition is the principal difference brought by the trophy. Yet he stressed that he does not want individual acclaim to change his character or disconnect him from his background.
Dembele also pointed to the collective contribution behind his success, saying his team-mates played an obvious part in enabling his performances.
PSG’s place in the discussion
His confidence that the prize will remain in Paris underlines PSG’s continued presence at the centre of the individual-award debate. Dembele is focusing on sustaining his level for both club and country before the vote is settled.
- Dembele is the reigning Ballon d’Or holder.
- His 2025-winning campaign included 33 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.
- He wants another title but says the award is not an obsession.
- The 2026 result will be revealed in London on 26 October.
