Mbappé Hails Dembélé’s Impressive Form, Discusses Ballon d’Or Possibilities

Ousmane Dembélé, 27, has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, particularly in 2025. The Paris Saint-Germain player, once criticized for his finishing skills, has now scored an impressive 22 goals in just 17 matches since the beginning of the year. This exceptional performance has sparked early discussions about his potential Ballon d’Or candidacy.

One of Dembélé’s main competitors for the award could be his former club and national team colleague, Kylian Mbappé, 26. Despite a challenging start at Real Madrid, Mbappé has managed to score 31 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. Real Madrid continues to pursue both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League this season.

In an interview with a French newspaper, Mbappé spoke highly of Dembélé, saying, “Ousmane and I communicate daily. His achievements deeply affect me because I’m aware of the criticism he’s faced. I’ve been his greatest supporter since we were 14 years old.”

When asked about Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or prospects, Mbappé reflected on the unpredictability of the award. He mentioned Rodri’s unexpected win and stated, “We can’t exclude anyone from contention because any player, even a goalkeeper, could potentially be honored.”

Mbappé’s comments highlight the evolving nature of football awards and the rising recognition of players in various positions beyond traditional goal-scorers.