Ballon d'or: Didier Deschamps has picked his winner | OneFootball

Ballon d'or

The French national team coach has made his pick for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

On Thursday evening, Didier Deschamps faced the press ahead of Ukraine vs France, set to take place this Friday night. It was the perfect moment for Deschamps to praise Ousmane Dembélé, the frontrunner to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Speaking as a guest on "Le studio des Légendes," the manager described Dembélé as a radiant player who has gained wisdom over the years.

"He absolutely deserves it, not only for what he’s accomplished all season long but also for his strong start this year. Sure, there are other players who might deserve it too, but he stands out even more because, beyond his individual performances, he’s also clinched major titles," Deschamps said.

Didier Deschamps also touched on Ousmane Dembélé’s personality, describing him as truly endearing: "He’s radiant because he always wants to joke around. He’s got a great sense of humor, even though he’s definitely become a bit wiser—thankfully—over the years, especially given his tough journey. He’s suffered some serious injuries, and his strength lies in never worrying about how serious they are and always coming back. He’s had to adapt. He’s not someone who seeks the spotlight. He’s put in it, but anything external—responsibilities, facing the media—it’s really not his thing."