New Delhi: France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has backed his French teammate and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Ousmane Dembele to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Dembele enjoyed a stellar season with PSG and played a key role in helping them lift their maiden Champions League title after beating Inter Milan in the final earlier this month.
With just over two months left for the Ballon d’Or 2025 winner to be unveiled, Dembele has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the prestigious honour alongside Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Dembele is the favourite to win the top honour after helping PSG win the treble by clinching the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and their first Champions League title.
The French forward scored 33 goals and produced 15 assists for PSG across all competitions, including 8 goals and six assists in the Champions League. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Yamal starred in Spain’s Euro triumph while shining for Barcelona across competitions, helping them win the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España.
Mbappe believes Dembele deserves to win the Ballon d’Or and said he will vote for him. The French forward also snubbed his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian, who missed out on the top honour to Manchester City midfielder Rodri last year, is not in contention this year after Real Madrid’s disappointing season.
“Would I vote for Dembele? Yes. I don’t think it needs much explaining. People are talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembele, but my choice is clear: I vote for Dembele,” Mbappe said in a press conference on Saturday.
Mbappe wins European Golden Shoe despite Real Madrid’s struggles
Despite Real Madrid’s struggles under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2024-25 season, Mbappe enjoyed a stellar debut campaign as the French striker won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 31 goals for the club in La Liga. Mbappe became the first player to score over 30 goals in his debut season for Real Madrid and became only the third player from the club to win the Golden Shoe since the prize was launched in 1967-68 season.
French striker Kylian Mbappe has revealed his pick for the Ballon d’Or 2025 as he made his choice between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele. Mbappe snubbed his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
