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Ousmane Dembele's push for the 2025 Ballon d'Or crown is gaining momentum
Ahead of the Nations League semi-final, Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté threw his weight behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé as his pick for the Ballon d’Or.
His choice raises eyebrows, especially given Liverpool’s own Mohamed Salah is widely regarded as one of the frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Konaté champions Dembélé’s spectacular season
Speaking at a press conference in Stuttgart on the eve of France’s crucial Nations League clash against Spain, Konaté was clear about his choice for the 2025 award.
When asked about the Ballon d’Or favourites, he emphatically praised his French teammate Ousmane Dembélé, who recently clinched his first Champions League title with PSG.
“We talk about Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé… But no one talks about Ousmane Dembélé,” Konaté said, adding, “He has delivered an exceptional season. I have honestly no other words to describe it.
“Nobody expected it. I’m the happiest man for him. In all honesty, the most deserving Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembélé.”
Dembélé’s standout performance in the Champions League final, where he registered two assists against Inter Milan, capped off an impressive campaign under Luis Enrique.
Konate picks Dembele over Salah
Konaté’s endorsement inevitably raises questions given Mohamed Salah’s dominant season for Liverpool in the 2024/25 season.
The Egyptian forward scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists in the Premier League, earning him the Golden Boot, Playmaker award, and Player of the Season title as well.
Salah remains a top contender for the Ballon d’Or, thanks to his goal-scoring exploits and influence in the Premier League. Yet, Konaté’s public backing of Dembélé hints at the fierce competition among elite players this year.
With Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal also in the mix, the race for the Ballon d’Or looks more open than ever. Konaté’s comments add fuel to the fiery debate over who truly deserves football’s top individual honour.
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