Scandal Erupts: Journalist Refuses "Confidential" Deal to Hype Dembele as Ballon d’Or Winner | OneFootball

Journalist reveals offer to secretly promote PSG star on social media

Scandal Erupts: Journalist Refuses "Confidential" Deal to Hype Dembele as Ballon d’Or Winner

A surprising story's surfaced around Paris Saint Germain winger Ousmane Dembele and his Ballon d’or candidacy.

According to The Athletic, journalist Neal Gardner received mysterious email titled "Confidential Collaboration Opportunity" last week offering him money to secretly promote Dembele as worthy winner.

Hidden offer to influence debate

The email, sent by Indian based marketing agency proposed 1 month campaign where Gardner would post 3 pre written tweets weekly highlighting Dembele’s performances and justifying his Ballon d’or credentials.

The agency stressed secrecy and even asked Gardner to name his price.

Journalist exposes the approach

Gardner refused to participate and instead shared the email publicly with his 169000 followers on X.

His post quickly went viral sparking debate about hidden influence around football’s most prestigious award.

Dembele’s camp denies involvement

The Athletic contacted Dembélé’s entourage who categorically denied any knowledge of the campaign. The agency's believed to have targeted Gardner due to his large following and his background as Barcelona supporter which would make pro Dembele posts appear more credible despite the player’s move to PSG in 2023.

Ballon d’Or race still wide open

Voting for the Ballon d’Or's already closed with the winner to be announced in Paris on 22 September.

Dembele, Champions league Player of the Season is leading contender alongside Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal & Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.