Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, has taken the initiative to advocate for his teammate Kylian Mbappé’s candidacy for the prestigious award. Dembélé earned this accolade following an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), leading the club to its inaugural Champions League victory.
Dembélé’s Support for Mbappé
After receiving the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Dembélé expressed his hope that Mbappé would achieve similar success. “He deserves it for his career. He’s had a very good start to the season, he keeps scoring goals,” Dembélé stated. The duo played together briefly at PSG but have maintained a long-standing friendship as teammates on the French national team.
Mbappé’s Current Performance
This season, Mbappé has showcased his skills with an impressive record of 15 goals and two assists in various competitions. His performance solidifies his position as a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Historical Context
Historically, success in international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, has played a crucial role in determining the Ballon d’Or winners. For instance, Luka Modrić secured the award in 2018 primarily due to his pivotal role in Croatia’s World Cup run. Similarly, Lionel Messi’s triumph in 2023 was heavily influenced by Argentina’s victory in Qatar, where Mbappé also had a remarkable performance.
Shared Achievements
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| France Caps | 40 |
| PSG Appearances | 39 |
| Joint Goal Participation | 11 |
If Mbappé continues his current form while also achieving domestic success and excelling in the upcoming World Cup, he could potentially become the seventh French player to win the Ballon d’Or.
As the football world awaits future events, both Dembélé and Mbappé look forward to competing at the highest levels. Their performances on the field will be pivotal in shaping their legacies and prospects for winning the coveted trophy.
