Can Ousmane Dembélé complete a Ballon d'Or double? | OneFootball

Despite an injury-hit season, Ousmane Dembélé has been decisive in Europe and is again in the Ballon d’Or frame. The 29-year-old now fronts PSG and France’s twin pursuits.

According to L'Équipe, his Ligue 1 return reads 11 starts, 10 goals and six assists, enough to retain UNFP Player of the Season. In Europe he has seven goals and two assists in 12 matches, alongside Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia.

Inside the club, his candidacy is tied to results. A Champions League win and a strong World Cup are seen as essential, though staff also point to a more confident, mature figure who leads without declaration.

Those close to him describe a post-award shift, from carefree to meticulous and legacy-minded. He understands how honours shape popularity and accepts the outcome hinges on the World Cup and victory in the final.

Ballon d’Or winner Hristo Stoichkov credits Luis Enrique, contrasting today’s pressing, creating and scoring with a troubled Barcelona spell. He also cites Vitinha and Pedri, and notes competition from Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal.

Jean-Pierre Papin argues the award should honour season-long dominance, something injuries have disrupted, though he accepts Dembélé has delivered in key moments. The final may set the tone, with Arsenal’s case led by Declan Rice, before the World Cup settles any tie.

Source: L'Équipe