Key Highlights
- Ousmane Dembélé hopes his teammate Kylian Mbappé will win the Ballon d’Or next year.
- Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or after leading Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League title.
- Mbappé had a strong start to the season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions as of October 2025.
Behind the Scenes: Dembele’s Wish for Mbappé
Ousmane Dembélé has expressed his wish that his France teammate Kylian Mbappé will win the prestigious Ballon d’Or next year. Speaking to the media after PSG’s victory in the Champions League, Dembélé emphasized Mbappé’s potential and achievements.
Historic Campaign
Dembélé secured the 2025 Ballon d’Or for his exceptional performance with Paris Saint-Germain. He was named the best player globally after leading PSG to their maiden Champions League triumph, a feat that marked a significant milestone in the club’s history.
Friendship and Mutual Respect
The relationship between Dembélé and Mbappé extends beyond the pitch. As long-time France teammates and former PSG colleagues, they share a deep bond rooted in mutual respect and camaraderie. Dembélé highlighted their friendship when discussing his hopes for Mbappé.
Path to Glory: Mbappé’s Season So Far
Kylian Mbappé has started the 2025-26 season on a high note, scoring an impressive 15 goals in all competitions. His recent form is promising and could put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or next year.
Domestic and International Challenges
If Mbappé continues his current performance, he will be considered one of the favorites to win the award. However, he faces stiff competition not only from other top players but also from the results of upcoming tournaments such as the World Cup. Mbappé has already demonstrated his prowess in the Champions League and could secure additional accolades if he leads France to victory.
Ballon d’Or’s Historical Context
The Ballon d’Or is often awarded to players who have performed exceptionally well, particularly those whose contributions were crucial for their teams. Previous winners like Xabi Alonso in 2018 and Lionel Messi in 2023 secured the award due to their outstanding performances in major tournaments.
World Cup’s Impact on Ballon d’Or
The importance of national team achievements cannot be overstated when it comes to securing a place in the Ballon d’Or shortlist. The World Cup has historically played a significant role, with players who perform exceptionally well during the tournament gaining an edge.
For example, Lionel Messi’s 2023 award was heavily influenced by his performance at the 2022 World Cup, where he achieved a hat-trick in the final. Similarly, Xabi Alonso won the Ballon d’Or for guiding Real Madrid to European success and performing well in international competitions.
Conclusion
A Season of Possibilities
As Ousmane Dembélé looks towards the future, he hopes that his friend Kylian Mbappé will emulate his own journey by winning the Ballon d’Or. With a strong start to the season and the upcoming World Cup looming, Mbappé has every opportunity to fulfill this wish.
The path to glory is uncertain, but with Dembélé’s support and Mbappé’s continued success, both players stand a chance of making history together in the world of football. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Paris Saint-Germain and France as they vie for both domestic and international glory.
