Full Breakdown
Kylian Mbappé Backs Ousmane Dembélé for 2025 Ballon d'Or
9/7/2025, 11:54:20 PM
Anticipation for the Ballon d'Or Ceremony
The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with Kylian Mbappé emerging as a central figure in the discussions surrounding the prestigious award. As the voting has concluded and results are sealed by France Football, the spotlight is on Mbappé's endorsement of his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé, who is considered a frontrunner for the award.
Mbappé's Support for Dembélé
In a recent interview on the French television program Telefoot, Kylian Mbappé expressed his belief that Ousmane Dembélé deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. He stated, “If it were up to me, I would bring him the trophy directly to his home!” This endorsement comes after Dembélé's standout season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he scored 35 goals in 53 appearances and helped the team secure a historic quadruple, including their first Champions League title.
Dembélé's Competition: Lamine Yamal
While Dembélé is the clear favorite in Mbappé's eyes, the young Barcelona player Lamine Yamal has also been mentioned as a contender. However, Mbappé downplayed Yamal's chances, humorously noting, “Lamine Yamal? Well, not him, he plays for Barcelona.” This comment reflects the ongoing rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which often influences perceptions in the Ballon d'Or race.
Recognition for Defenders
In addition to his support for Dembélé, Mbappé also highlighted the need for greater recognition of defenders in the awards. He expressed hope that Achraf Hakimi, his former PSG teammate, would also receive a high ranking, stating, “I hope Achraf will be ranked up there too.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Mbappé's support for Dembélé is clear, some critics argue that the focus on individual awards can overshadow the collective achievements of teams. The debate over the Ballon d'Or often raises questions about the criteria for selection and the impact of club rivalries on voters' decisions.
Official Statements & Responses
Mbappé's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the football community regarding the upcoming Ballon d'Or. His remarks about Dembélé and Hakimi have been well-received, showcasing a camaraderie among players, even amidst fierce club rivalries.
What's Next
As the football world awaits the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, the anticipation continues to build. The ceremony will not only reveal the winner but also highlight the evolving dynamics of player recognition in the sport, particularly as younger talents like Yamal emerge on the scene.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If it was up to me, I would bring him the trophy directly to his home!” — Kylian Mbappé
- “Well, not him, he plays for Barcelona (laughs).” — Kylian Mbappé
