Paul Pogba Backs Ousmane Dembele Over Lamine Yamal in Ballon d’Or Race: “It’s Now or Never”

Ex-Man Utd star throws full support behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele as Ballon d’Or race heats up with Lamine Yamal in hot pursuit

As football fans begin counting down the days to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, Paul Pogba has made his stance crystal clear—and it’s a bold one. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder has thrown his full weight behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, naming him his pick for the biggest individual honour in world football and warning that “it’s now or never” for the electric French winger.

Pogba’s endorsement came during a Twitch stream with American YouTuber IShowSpeed, where the conversation naturally turned to the Ballon d’Or contenders following a historic club season in Europe. “Dembele will always be ahead of Yamal for me,” Pogba said with conviction. “I support Dembele 100%. He won the Champions League, he was very important this season. If he doesn’t win it this year, he’ll never get it.”

It was a heartfelt and pointed statement from a man who has known the pressures of elite football and understands just how fleeting form and favour can be in the Ballon d’Or race.

A career-defining season for Dembele

Ousmane Dembele has had no shortage of critics over the years—injuries, inconsistency, and big expectations have all weighed on him at various points since his blockbuster move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona back in 2017. But 2024-25 might just be the season where the Frenchman finally shook off the doubters and delivered at the very highest level.

In a PSG team overflowing with stars, it was Dembele who consistently rose to the occasion. He bagged a remarkable 35 goals and added 16 assists in all competitions, helping Luis Enrique’s side to an unprecedented treble: Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League.

Dembele was electric in the Champions League knockout stages, terrorising defenders with his pace, unpredictability, and direct style. Whether cutting in from the right or switching flanks to link up with Kylian Mbappe and Vitinha, he was often the spark behind PSG’s biggest moments. The Parisians’ triumph over Bayern Munich in the final—where Dembele scored and assisted—cemented his place in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Even a disappointing loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final couldn’t overshadow what was a truly breakout campaign at the age of 28.

Pogba’s passionate defence of Dembele

dembele – Ballon d’Or

Pogba’s comments weren’t just friendly encouragement for a compatriot—they were part of a growing campaign among French football voices to see Dembele finally recognised on the Ballon d’Or stage. “He was very important this season,” Pogba reiterated. “Hakimi and Vitinha were very good too. But Dembele is the favourite for the Ballon d’Or.”

For Pogba, who now plays at AS Monaco after leaving Juventus, Dembele’s impact goes beyond numbers. He’s talking about the intangibles—the game-breaking ability, the flair, the clutch moments—that turn a good player into a great one.

It’s also worth noting the context of Pogba’s remarks. The Ballon d’Or, for all its prestige, has often eluded players who have stellar but short-lived peaks. Pogba’s message is clear: Dembele’s time is now. Another season like this may not come again, and if he’s overlooked this time around, he may never get another chance.

The Yamal threat: A generational talent on the rise

But standing in Dembele’s path is a teenager whose name has been on everyone’s lips for the past year—Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy has dazzled fans, pundits, and rivals alike during a stunning 2024-25 campaign in which he helped Barça reclaim the La Liga and Copa del Rey double.

At just 17, Yamal’s composure, creativity, and maturity have set him apart from even seasoned professionals. He contributed 18 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, all while playing with the swagger of someone ten years older.

His performances have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi’s early days at the Camp Nou, and many see him as the natural heir to the No.10 shirt—which he will reportedly inherit this coming season.

Yamal’s youth and long-term potential make him a likely future Ballon d’Or winner—but does he have the narrative, the silverware, and the statistics to outshine Dembele this year? That’s the debate currently dividing fans and experts alike.

Others in the running

It’s not just a two-horse race, either. Brazil’s Raphinha, also of Barcelona, is being mentioned in Ballon d’Or discussions after a hugely productive season, while Kylian Mbappe remains a perennial contender. And there’s always room for a late push from midfield generals like Jude Bellingham or Vitinha, both of whom were instrumental in their sides’ success.

Still, the spotlight remains fixed on Dembele and Yamal as the most likely winners.

A moment of truth approaches

The official shortlist of Ballon d’Or nominees is due to be released on August 7, with the award ceremony scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. As always, the winner will be determined by a combination of votes from journalists, national team captains, and coaches around the world.

For Ousmane Dembele, this could well be the culmination of a rollercoaster career—a moment of vindication after years of highs, lows, and unrealised promise. And if Paul Pogba’s instincts are right, the Ballon d’Or could be heading back to Paris, this time not for Mbappe, but for the winger who finally came good.

“It’s now or never,” Pogba said—and he might just be right.