Football

Luis Enrique and Marquinhos Back Ousmane Dembele to Win Ballon d’Or After PSG’s Champions League Heroics

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By
Sushan Chakraborty
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Sushan Chakraborty Sports Editor

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Published02 Jun 2025

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique and captain Marquinhos have backed star forward Ousmane Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. 

Their comments came after PSG beat Inter Milan 5-0 at the Allianz Arena to win their maiden UEFA Champions League title on May 31.

Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d’Or: Luis Enrique and Marquinhos Hail Frenchman After PSG’s Champions League Win

Ousmane Dembele, who has been one of the most exciting players to watch in Europe this season, did not score against Inter. However, his coach, Luis Enrique, had little complaint as the Frenchman went above and beyond to help his team defensively. He chased every ball, pressed every Inter attacker in his zone, and ensured the Italians could not waltz into the midfield.

In the post-match press conference, Enrique heaped praise on Dembele and said he would give him the Ballon d’Or.

“Ousmane Dembele pressed Sommer, Acerbi, and the other central defenders with great intensity, which meant that they didn’t have time to think, and it cut the team off.

“I would give Mr. Ousmane Dembele the Ballon d’Or, if only for how he defended. That’s what you call leading a team. I honestly believe that he deserves the Ballon d’Or, not just because of the titles he has won or the goals he scored, but because of the way he has pressed all season.”

The captain of the team, Marquinhos, also gave Dembele the Ballon d’Or shout. As the team paraded down Champs-Elysees, the Brazilian chanted “Ousmane, Ballon d’Or” in front of thousands of PSG fans.

Ousmane Dembele Named Champions League Player of the Season After PSG Triumph

Ousmane Dembele enjoyed a stellar Champions League campaign for PSG. Playing 15 matches, the former Barcelona man scored eight goals and provided six assists. He also led the team by example, pressing relentlessly from the front. Impressively, he did not let his intensity drop even after PSG went comfortably clear of Inter in the UCL final.

Courtesy of his heroics, the UEFA Technical Observer Group named Dembele as the Champions League Player of the Season on June 1.

Across competitions, the 28-year-old played 49 games for Les Parisiens. He found the back of the net 33 times and claimed 15 assists. Dembele was the top goal contributor, as PSG became the first team since Celtic to win the ‘true quadruple.’

After winning the Champions League, PSG will face the Europa League winners, Tottenham, in the Super Cup in August.

Which PSG Players Have Won the Ballon d’Or?

Throughout history, only two players have won the Ballon d’Or at PSG. George Weah won it in 1995 before Lionel Messi claimed it in 2021 and 2023.

Who Won the Ballon d’Or in 2024?

Manchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, beating favourite Vinicius Junior to the punch. He won the individual accolade after helping Man City to the Premier League title and Spain to the 2024 European Championship.

Here are the last 10 Ballon d’Or winners:

Year Winner Country Club(s) during year
2024 Rodri Spain Manchester City
2023 Lionel Messi Argentina PSG / Inter Miami
2022 Karim Benzema Real Madrid
2021 Lionel Messi Argentina Barcelona / PSG
2020 Not awarded — (COVID-19 pandemic)
2019 Lionel Messi Argentina Barcelona
2018 Luka Modric Croatia Real Madrid
2017 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Real Madrid
2016 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Real Madrid
2015 Lionel Messi Argentina Barcelona
2014 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Real Madrid