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Ousmane Dembélé’s Stunning Rise: Ballon d’Or Contender Ahead of Mbappé?
Ousmane Dembélé shines as PSG’s offensive leader, outshining Mbappé
After Kylian Mbappé’s departure last summer, **Ousmane Dembélé** has taken on the role of PSG’s offensive leader with remarkable success. **Scoring 30 goals across all competitions**, Dembélé has delivered iconic images and spectacular performances, earning the status of the world’s top scorer in 2025 and emerging as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or France Football this season.
Mbappé’s supportive stance on Dembélé’s success
Witnessing Dembélé potentially clinching the prestigious individual award before him would be a noteworthy event. Despite both talents emerging at the same time eight years ago, **Mbappé was always seen as destined for such honors.** Nevertheless, the captain of the French team regards his teammate’s achievements with warm approval.
**”With Ousmane, it’s easy,”** Mbappé shared in an interview with Le Parisien. **”Seeing him achieve this is personally touching because I know how much he’s been criticized and mocked.** I’ve supported him since we were 14, always claiming he was one of the world’s best, even when others doubted.”
Balancing friendship and football reality
Mbappé emphasizes his ability to differentiate between personal affection and on-field reality. **”Ousmane’s maturity at 27 is normal in football,**” he explains. **”Some players mature earlier, which might have led some to think he was behind.** But he’s never been late; this is a natural progression for a footballer.”
The Ballon d’Or debate: Mbappé remains neutral
When questioned about Dembélé’s chances for the Ballon d’Or, Mbappé remains noncommittal. **”What defines a Ballon d’Or player?”** he asks rhetorically. **”Rodri wasn’t initially seen as a contender, but he won it.** Today, it’s unclear who will clinch the award, as all players, including possibly a goalkeeper, have a shot.”
In celebrating Dembélé’s achievements and growth, **Mbappé hopes for his continued success** both at PSG and with the French national team, aiming for World Cup glory in 2026.
