Yamal, Messi snubbed! Ousmane Dembele picks Ballon d'Or top 3

The 28-year-old, who claimed the prestigious honour last year after leading Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory, named his top three players without ranking them.

Speaking to France Football, the PSG forward selected Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé as his standout performers.

“Kvara, and Harry Kane, who had a very, very good season, and I think Kylian Mbappé,” Dembélé said.

The French international notably left out Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and eight-time winner Lionel Messi from his podium picks, despite both being widely discussed as strong contenders.

He did, however, acknowledge Yamal’s quality while listing other players who deserve recognition, including Michael Olise, Fabián Ruiz and Willian Pacho.

Dembélé also insisted the award is likely to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.

“I do not think this award is a matter of confusion. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” he stated.

The reigning winner was careful not to put himself forward, saying he would not vote for himself even if given the chance.

His comments come shortly after Mbappé publicly made his own case for the award, heightening the debate ahead of the October ceremony.

Mbappe insisted he had scored more goals than other contenders, a series of comments that reportedly caused a stir in France and Spain.