As the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony approaches, PSG forward Dembele, who won the 2025 Ballon d'Or, spoke to France Football magazine about the award.
This season, your performance in crucial moments has improved, with more goals and assists—it’s very clear...
Yes, it really played a key role.
Did it play a role?
Yes, I think it played a decisive role. I believe that should be the primary criterion for the Ballon d'Or, right?
Obviously, and we saw you slightly less often in Ligue 1, but clearly that wasn't too serious...
Yes, to be honest, it was quite difficult because of the minor physical injuries I suffered at the beginning of the season. The coach was very good at rotating and managing me, keeping me for those crucial, decisive moments.
If you had to pick one highlight from last season—one that could help you win the Ballon d'Or again this season—what would it be?
I think it was the two-legged tie against Bayern that left a deep impression on last season's Champions League, especially the first leg, which was an incredibly exciting match.
Did you feel particularly strong in those matches?
Yes.
Those were your two best performances last season, the first leg and the second leg...
Mainly the first leg. Actually, I didn't start well in that game: I scuffed my first scoring opportunity, but then I quickly adjusted and regained my form. I think that was indeed one of my best performances.
Was that your peak last season?
Yes.
What was the worst performance?
The worst performance? Hmm... I think it was the second leg away against Chelsea.
Did you feel out of form during that match?
Hmm... it was okay, but not very impactful.
Why? Was it just purely bad form?
I think this situation always happens to professional players.
So, even a Ballon d'Or winner can perform poorly?
Exactly, that's how it is—that's football. Yes.
Does it feel awkward or annoying to compete for the Ballon d'Or with your good friends or teammates? Like Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha, and all your PSG teammates?
No, honestly, not at all. As I said, may the best person win; we're not the ones voting anyway. And seriously, we barely talk about it at all—really, not at all.
Not at all? Really not at all?
Not at all, especially when there are World Cup or Champions League matches. All our energy is focused on winning those matches and trophies, not on discussing the Ballon d'Or.
Isn't there someone who is more subtly competitive and poised than the others?
Not really. When we chat privately, the topic of the Ballon d'Or never comes up.
Are you afraid of losing this Ballon d'Or?
No, not at all, that's football.
So, you're not afraid at all? If you don't hear your name called on the evening of the 26th, would you be disappointed?
No, because, for me, it has never been an obsession. It can be a goal or a dream, but never an obsession.
Does defending your Ballon d'Or honor add pressure?
No, it really doesn't. I don't feel pressure to defend this award this season.
What would be harder, then? Is it harder to win the Ballon d'Or for the first time or to defend it?
I think it's harder to win it for the first time. That's what I think. It's harder to win it the first time, yes.
So now you feel a little less pressure, thinking, "I've already won once, look, I've reached the pinnacle, if I don't get a second one..."
No, because I am a very competitive person and always want to win, so it is still my goal. But as I said, it is not an obsession for me.
As the award date approaches, have the people around you—your family and friends—started talking about it again?
Yes, of course, people often talk to me about it. They tell me that this year's competition will be very tough and that the Ballon d'Or race is wide open, which is confusing for everyone. But let's wait and see what happens.
What do you think?
Hmm... I don't think there is any suspense surrounding this award.
Oh, really?
No, I don't think so.
Who do you think will win the Ballon d'Or?
I think there are many strong contenders, particularly among the PSG players. I believe the trophy will remain in the hands of a PSG player.
If you were voting for France, who would you choose? Who would be your top three?
My top three, honestly...
Ah, no—not in any particular order.
There is no specific order; just mention the three together?
In no particular order, the three together: Vitinha, Kane—he had a very good season, even an excellent season—and I think Mbappe.
What about Ousmane Dembele? Not you?
Ah, no, I wouldn't include myself. No, I would never put myself on such a list; I never vote for myself. Speaking from my own perspective, I would never vote for myself.
Is that purely because of your humility, or is it because...
Yes, that's how it is, and Messi isn't there. No, I think there are Vitinha, Kane, Kilian Mbappe, and many others. Olise could also be included because he had an incredible season; he was the Bundesliga's best player. And Lamine Yamal—who else? There are many. Fabian Ruiz and Pacho—let's not forget him. Pacho, I hope no one forgets him this year because he deserves it; he truly deserves it.
All right, one last question: if you had to give the France Football jury one reason to vote for you, what would it be?
Ah, I don't have any reason.
Surely there must be one?
I really don't. I never do that kind of thing.
You've stumped me...
No, no, I never promote myself.
You never promote yourself?
No, I never promote myself.
So, should we tell them not to vote for you?
No, the decision is theirs, but I absolutely won't lobby or promote myself.
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