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Barcelona's Lamine Yamal's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or have been given a huge boost
Just when Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or campaign was gaining serious momentum, fate has thrown a cruel spanner in the works.
The PSG winger has been ruled out of the Club World Cup group stage after suffering a quadriceps injury on international duty with France.
Injury strikes at the worst possible time for Dembele
Fresh off an incredible Champions League-winning season and recently named Player of the Season, Dembele was expected to be a central figure for PSG in the Club World Cup.
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But after pulling out of the France squad, medical tests revealed a quadriceps strain, sidelining him for at least two weeks, with recovery and team reintegration likely extending that timeline.
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According to Le Parisien, he will miss all three group stage matches against Atletico Madrid (June 15), Botafogo (June 20), and Seattle Sounders (June 23).
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It’s a devastating blow, not just for PSG but for Dembele’s Ballon d’Or ambitions, especially with Lamine Yamal currently dazzling for Spain in the Nations League.
Club World Cup setback dents Ballon d’Or hopes
For Dembele, the Club World Cup was more than just another tournament, it was his ticket to reinforce his Ballon d’Or credentials.
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With Yamal playing out of his skin and attracting global attention, Dembele needed another standout performance to shift the narrative back in his favour.
Now, with limited chances to shine until the knockout stages, if he’s even match-fit by then, his chances may dwindle.
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PSG have no plans to sign a short-term replacement, putting further pressure on their squad and reducing Dembele’s window to make an impression.
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