Ousmane Dembele backs Real Madrid superstar for Ballon d’Or glory – ‘He deserves it’ | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has openly shared his desire for his national teammate, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, to win the Ballon d’Or.

After six weeks on the sidelines due to a muscle injury sustained with France, Dembele made a triumphant return to PSG’s squad on Matchday 3 of the Champions League.

He replaced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the 63rd minute and scored just three minutes later, instantly making an impact for Luis Enrique’s side in a 7-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Speaking after the match in the mixed zone, Dembele reflected on his own comeback and on his friend’s achievements.

“I hope he wins it [Ballon d’Or]. He deserves it for his career,” he said as quoted by MARCA.

“He’s had a very good start to the season. He keeps scoring goals. He’s a friend of mine, and I hope he continues like this. Hopefully one day he’ll win the Ballon d’Or,” he said.

Mbappe’s impressive 2025/26 start

Kylian Mbappe has been in sensational form this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Mbappe has been unstoppable for Real Madrid in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.

So far this season, he has scored 10 goals in nine La Liga appearances, contributing 2 assists, a remarkable tally that shows his consistency and lethal finishing.

His presence has given Real Madrid an edge in attack, helping the team maintain their strong position in both domestic and European competitions.

In the Champions League, Mbappe has continued his fine form, including a standout performance where he scored a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s commanding 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty.

With stats like these and the backing of high-profile players such as Dembele, Mbappe’s claim to the Ballon d’Or is stronger than ever.

While Real Madrid seem to ignore the highest individual honour in world football today, the hierarchy certainly would not mind one of their players standing on the podium next year.