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Luis Enrique’s Ballon d’Or Pick: Dembélé Over Vitinha for 2025 Award
The anticipation is palpable as the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. With numerous contenders vying for the prestigious title, the spotlight is on Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé and FC Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal.
Top contenders emerging for the coveted prize
At Paris Saint-Germain, **Ousmane Dembélé** is seen as a frontrunner, alongside **FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal**. The French star faces stiff competition from within his own team. **Vitinha**, hailed by many as the world’s best midfielder, is another strong candidate. In a recent press conference, PSG manager Luis Enrique revealed his preference for the award. According to him, the honor should go to his number 10, although he acknowledges several players in his squad deserve recognition.
“I’ve said it before, my favorite is Ousmane Dembélé, but everything surrounding the award doesn’t interest me. Many players could win it, including Vitinha, Hakimi, Fabian Ruiz, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. I believe more in what our team represents, the strength of the collective, and that’s the beauty we should impart to young players. It’s a team sport, judged by collective parameters,” Enrique stated to the press.
Luis Enrique updates on Dembélé’s recovery
This Friday at 3 a.m., Paris Saint-Germain faces Botafogo in their second Club World Cup match. A victory would virtually secure their spot in the round of 16. However, **Luis Enrique will have to manage without Ousmane Dembélé**, who is still in recovery. The French forward might rejoin the squad for the third match or in the knockout stages. The Spanish coach provided an update on his recovery.
“Will Dembélé be ready for the third match? I don’t know. He’s improving rapidly, but we must remain calm and prioritize the player’s well-being. We want him back as soon as possible, yet we need to be cautious,” Enrique remarked.
