Paris Saint-Germain standout Ousmane Dembele expressed his desire for former teammate Kylian Mbappe to also clinch the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Mbappe, who welcomed Dembele to PSG in 2023 before transferring to Real Madrid a year later, has yet to secure the coveted accolade despite his remarkable career.
Following Mbappe’s departure from Parc des Princes, Dembele faced initial challenges but later excelled, netting 35 goals across various competitions last season, with eight coming in the Champions League. His stellar performance contributed significantly to Paris Saint-Germain’s triumph in the competition after a slow start in the league phase under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique.
Despite being recognized at the recent Ballon d’Or event, Dembele believes Mbappe remains in contention for the award. The Real Madrid forward, who finished third in the voting in 2023 when Lionel Messi claimed his seventh Ballon d’Or, continues to impress this season with 10 La Liga goals and a total of 15 goals in all competitions, sharing the top scorer spot in the Champions League.
In a recent statement, Dembele expressed his confidence in Mbappe’s abilities, acknowledging his stellar form and expressing hope for his future success. Mbappe’s impactful performances have also been instrumental in France’s journey towards securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, with his crucial goals in the qualifying matches enhancing the team’s chances.
Mbappe’s remarkable achievements, including finishing as the top scorer in the 2022 World Cup, highlight his potential as a future Ballon d’Or winner. As he prepares to face Barcelona in the upcoming Clasico, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso praised Mbappe’s determination and emphasized his integral role in the team’s success, emphasizing the need for continued efficiency and impact on the field.
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