Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has given his view on the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or after last season, with the France international currently holding the most prestigious individual award in football.
Dembele’s assessment comes while he remains the reigning Ballon d’Or winner. His comments therefore carry particular significance as attention turns towards the next presentation of the prize and the players hoping to succeed him.
The source report says Dembele discussed the main contenders but does not specify the names of the players he identified. It therefore remains unclear from the available details whether he backed one particular rival, highlighted a group of candidates or included himself among those expected to challenge for the award again.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on 26 October in London. The event will determine the recipient of the individual honour based on performances during the previous season.
Dembele is currently the holder of the award, making him the reference point in any discussion about the next winner. His comments come as the focus shifts from last season’s achievements to the players regarded as the strongest candidates for the upcoming prize.
No further details were provided about the criteria Dembele used in assessing the contenders, nor about whether his choices related to domestic performances, success in European competition or international football. The report also does not include a direct quotation from the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
The Ballon d’Or remains one of football’s most closely watched individual honours, and the announcement of the shortlist traditionally intensifies debate among players, supporters and media. This year’s ceremony will be held in London on 26 October, when the successor to Dembele will be confirmed.
For now, the main development is Dembele’s involvement in the conversation surrounding the award. As its current recipient, the Paris Saint-Germain forward is uniquely placed within the debate, although the names of the contenders he mentioned have not been included in the information available.
The ceremony will provide the final outcome, with Dembele’s reign continuing until the new winner is announced in London.