Inter Milan & Netherlands Wingback Proud Of Ballon d’Or Nomination: “Wonderful, It’s My First Time Here” | OneFootball

Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries admits he is proud after making his maiden appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Speaking to L’Equipe via FCInterNews, the Dutch wingback refused his excitement for attending the ceremony for the first time.

Denzel Dumfries was in contention for the most prestigious individual award in European football.

Indeed, the 29-year-old had a remarkable 2024/25 season, proving particularly decisive in the Champions League.

Dumfries’ telling performance in a mouth-watering semi-final tie against Barcelona earned him broad plaudits.

Furthermore, he entered the race for the Ballon d’Or, alongside his fellow clubmate Lautaro Martinez.

Unfortunately, the former PSV Eindhoven ace had to settle for a 25th-place finish.

Meanwhile, El Toro finished 20th for the second time in three years, largely thanks to Inter’s collapse at the tail-end of last season.

Despite being in contention for a historic treble in mid-April, the Nerazzurri finished the campaign empty-handed.

Therefore, Lautaro and Dumfries never stood a chance.

Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries Proud to Attend Ballon d’Or Ceremony

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Denzel Dumfries of Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I’m happy to be here, it’s my first time,” Dumfries stated. “It’s incredible. It’s a great pleasure to be here.

“I couldn’t wait to come to this celebration. Am I nervous? No, I’m very calm. I want to enjoy the moment; I think that’s the most important thing,” he added.

Furthermore, he back Paris Saint-Germain stalwart Ousmane Dembele to win the prize.

“I think Ousmane Dembélé will win,” Dumfries claimed.

Dumfries went from strength to strength in Simone Inzaghi’s last season in charge.

Indeed, the attacking-minded defender racked up an eye-catching 11 goals and six assists in 47 matches last term.

As a result, he attracted interest from several top clubs, yet he refused to leave San Siro in the summer.

Hopefully, he will continue in the same vein under Cristian Chivu.

Dumfries already opened his account for the season, netting a consolation goal in a 2-1 loss to Udinese on matchday two.