2026 Ballon d'Or Predictions
Reigning Ballon d'Or Winner Ousmane Dembélé Predicts Trophy Will Remain at PSG
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Key Points
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Dembélé’s follow-up season at PSG included 20 goals and 11 assists in 40 matches, while he scored six goals for France at the 2026 World Cup; France finished fourth.
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The 2026 ceremony in London will mark the Ballon d’Or’s 70th anniversary and is being held there as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner 70 years ago.
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Dembélé won the 2025 award ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG midfielder Vitinha, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah finishing fourth.
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Kylian Mbappé publicly described himself as a genuine candidate, saying, “I always feel like I’m the best in the world,” and pointing to his 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid; the remarks drew criticism in France and Spain.
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Dembélé highlighted Michael Olise’s season by saying he finished as the Bundesliga’s best player, while expressing particular support for Willian Pacho: “I hope we won’t forget him this year, because he deserves it!”
Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, believes PSG will claim the 2026 award too. The French star named three leading candidates: his PSG teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé GiveMeSport. Dembélé ruled himself out and dismissed Lionel Messi as unlikely to win. The 2026 winner will be announced October 26 in London, marking the award's 70th anniversary MozzartSport.
Dembélé's Standout Season at PSG
Dembélé delivered 20 goals and 11 assists in 40 matches for PSG this season MozzartSport. He also scored six goals for France at the 2026 World Cup, helping the team finish fourth Sportskeeda. Despite his strong form, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner said he won't nominate himself for 2026.
Mbappé's Controversial 'Best in the World' Claim
Kylian Mbappé publicly called himself a genuine Ballon d'Or candidate, saying, "I always feel like I'm the best in the world" Sportskeeda. The Real Madrid forward pointed to 42 goals in 44 appearances. His remarks drew criticism in both France and Spain, with former PSG player Jerome Rothen slamming him: "No one thinks you were the best player in the world last season" Sportskeeda.
Other Rising Stars in the 2026 Race
Beyond his top three, Dembélé also mentioned Michael Olise, calling him the Bundesliga's best player GiveMeSport. He strongly backed defender Willian Pacho: "I hope we won't forget him this year, because he deserves it!" GiveMeSport. Lamine Yamal and Fabian Ruiz were also in Dembélé's wider list of contenders.
How Dembélé Won the 2025 Award
Dembélé claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or ahead of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and PSG midfielder Vitinha FootAfrica. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah finished fourth. The 2026 nominees will be announced September 8, with the winner revealed in London on October 26 for the award's 70th-anniversary celebration MozzartSport.
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