‘Ousmane Ballon d’Or’ – PSG manager Luis Enrique lends support to Luis Enrique in song | OneFootball

When it comes to the Ballon d’Or, there is only one name on the mind of Luis Enrique. The Paris Saint-Germain manager was asked this week what his expectations were for the ceremony. The Spaniard’s response came in the form of a song: “And Ousmane Ballon d’Or, and Ousmane Ballon d’Or…”

Ousmane Dembélé (28) is considered the favourite to collect the award after leading PSG to the UEFA Champions League title last season, scoring eight goals along the way. He also finished as joint top-goalscorer in the previous Ligue 1 campaign, helping Les Pariensiens win that competition yet again.

He’s one of 30 players in the running to claim the prestigious award on the men’s side, with his current PSG teammates Achraf Hakimi (26), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24), Nuno Mendes (23), Joao Neves (20), Vitinha (25), Fabian Ruiz (29) and Désiré Doué (20) also on the ballot.

For his part, Luis Enrique stands a good chance of winning the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Coach of the Year. He’s been shortlisted alongside Arne Slot, Enzo Maresca, Hansi Flick, and Antonio Conte.

France are the most well-represented country in the Ballon d’Or nominations for men this year, with four players on the list that currently feature for Les Bleus, the three previously mentioned ones and PSG’s record goalscorer and current French captain, Kylian Mbappé (26).

Dembélé can become the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or, joining Karim Benzema (37), Zinedine Zidane, Jean-Pierre Papin, Michel Platini and Raymond Kopa. Benzema was the last French player to win in 2022. The winner will be announced on Monday in Paris.

GFFN | Joel Lefevre