Ousmane Dembele Backed by PSG Chief for Ballon d’Or Triumph

Ousmane Dembele may have swapped Catalonia for the French capital last summer, but the Paris Saint-Germain forward is still dominating Spanish headlines after club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi declared that “there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or” if his record signing is overlooked. The outspoken chief believes Dembele’s dazzling form since his arrival at Parc des Princes—six goals and 12 assists across all competitions by mid-season—should put him ahead of precocious Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal in the race for football’s most prestigious individual honour.

Ousmane Dembele and the Ballon d’Or Debate

Al-Khelaifi’s comments came during a media briefing that inevitably turned to award season chatter. The PSG president argued that the criteria for the Ballon d’Or should reward consistent impact at the highest level. “Look at what Ousmane Dembele brings: pace, creativity, match-winning moments in the Champions League,” he insisted. “If those performances are not rewarded, then something is wrong.”

The debate is fuelled by contrasting narratives. On one hand, Dembele has matured into a talisman for a side chasing domestic and European glory. On the other, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal is capturing imaginations with fearless cameos for Barcelona, becoming La Liga’s youngest scorer and a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 preparations. While Dembele relies on experience and end-product, Yamal’s candidacy rests on potential and the romance of youth.

Statistical Case for Dembele

Numbers bolster Al-Khelaifi’s stance. Since August, Ousmane Dembele has averaged 3.1 key passes per 90 minutes in Ligue 1—second only to Lionel Messi from last year’s charts—and ranks top three in take-ons completed. In the Champions League group stage, he produced goal contributions in four of PSG’s six matches, including a stunning curling effort against Manchester United that sealed top spot. Such statistics paint a picture of a player finally delivering end-product to match his explosive dribbling.

Yamal’s Meteoric Rise

Lamine Yamal counters with milestones of his own. The teenager became the youngest starter in a Champions League knockout round and is currently Barcelona’s leading chance creator per 90 minutes. His fearless attitude was evident when he chipped Real Madrid goalkeeper Kepa from distance, only for the ball to rattle the bar. For award voters, that audacity, coupled with Barcelona’s traditional sway in Ballon d’Or politics, cannot be ignored.

What Makes a Ballon d’Or Winner?

The criteria have shifted over the decades. Originally focused on European club achievements, the award now factors international tournaments, narrative arcs, and even social media buzz. Al-Khelaifi contends the pendulum has swung too far toward hype: “The Ballon d’Or should celebrate production on the pitch, not just viral moments,” he said, indirectly referencing Yamal’s highlight-reel flair.

Historical Precedent Favors Experience

Historically, teenagers rarely win. The youngest Ballon d’Or laureate remains Ronaldo Nazário, who was 21 when he triumphed in 1997. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both claimed their first awards in their early twenties after sustained dominance. If that trend holds, Ousmane Dembele, now 26 and approaching his prime, has timing on his side.

PSG’s European Ambition

Another factor is silverware. PSG have cruised in Ligue 1, yet the Champions League remains the holy grail. Should Dembele inspire the Parisian giants to their first continental crown, voters would be hard-pressed to overlook him. The winger has already forged lethal chemistry with Kylian Mbappé and summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, forming a trio defenders dread.

Marketing Power and Narrative

Beyond raw data, football politics loom large. Barcelona’s global brand and the romance of a home-grown prodigy give Yamal narrative heft. Conversely, PSG wield financial clout and a passionate domestic fanbase eager for recognition. Ousmane Dembele, once branded injury-prone and inconsistent, now embodies redemption—another compelling storyline for journalists with ballots.

Expert Opinions Split

Former France international Bixente Lizarazu told French radio: “If Dembele stays fit and leads PSG deep into Europe, he’s my pick.” Meanwhile, Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta praised Yamal’s “vision beyond his years” and hinted that early recognition could “unlock a new generation of Spanish dominance.”

What Happens Next?

The race will likely hinge on late-season moments: a decisive goal in the Champions League semi-final, a title-winning assist in Ligue 1, or a Euro 2024 breakout. With voters often swayed by recency bias, both PSG and Barcelona know the importance of placing their candidates in high-profile stages.

Counting the Mentions

As the media cycle intensifies, expect Ousmane Dembele to feature prominently in promotional campaigns, interviews, and PSG’s social channels. Al-Khelaifi has already vowed to “show the world his value.” Barcelona, never shy in marketing its La Masia gems, will push Yamal’s freshness and historic feats. The balancing act between performance and publicity could prove decisive.

Short Opinion

From this writer’s perspective, the Ballon d’Or should reward sustained excellence against elite opposition. Ousmane Dembele is finally marrying creativity with consistency, and if he delivers PSG’s long-awaited Champions League crown, he deserves the nod. Lamine Yamal’s time will come, but 2024 feels like the season Dembele silences the doubters and lifts the Golden Ball.