Ousmane Dembélé, the 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and France national team forward, opened up to France Football in an interview set to be published this Saturday, September 12. An initial excerpt has been released, featuring the Parisian number 10’s thoughts on the potential winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Dembélé: “I think it will stay in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player.”
“I don’t think the outcome for this trophy is uncertain. I think it will stay in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player.
My top 3?
A mix: ‘Kvara’, Harry Kane—who had a very, very good season—and, I think, Kylian Mbappé.
Dembélé: “I hope he isn’t overlooked this year, because he deserves it.”
Me?
Oh no, I never put myself in the mix for things like that. I never vote for myself. If I’m the one talking, I don’t vote for myself. That said, there are plenty of others. Michael Olise could be in the running because he had an incredible season; he was the best player in the Bundesliga. Lamine Yamal, too. Fabian Ruiz, Pacho… People forget about him—Pacho. I hope he isn’t overlooked this year, because he deserves it.”
Dembélé handles this tricky exercise—which can sometimes spark controversy and tension—well. The forward avoids naming a specific favorite, thereby sidestepping any risk of offending a teammate at PSG or in the French national team, particularly Kylian Mbappé. He does, however, offer a hint, suggesting the Ballon d’Or would remain in Paris following his own victory in 2026. Incidentally, the Parisian number 10 remains a contender himself but refuses to include his own name in the race.
Above all, it is worth noting that there are many contenders—particularly from PSG, and not just in attack. It is good to see Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho mentioned, even though one suspects it will be very difficult for the latter. He needs to at least make the top 30 this time, following his absence in 2025. The nominees will be revealed today, and the ensuing discussions will ramp up—even though we prefer to focus on the team and the collective effort.
